Everyone has fallen short of the glory of God
A message to those who are hard towards God
Does it make you uncomfortable when someone begins to talk to you about your personal sin nature and that you will be held accountable before God for breaking His law? Are you a person who can take responsibility for your wrong doing and accept that there is such a thing called Justice, or are you in a place where you won't accept that Justice will fall upon you after you die ...that is... if your sin nature has not been forgiven?
Think on these questions: Are thieves good people, are liars good people, are adulterers, murderers, rapists good? If someone lusts after another person or thing, or gossips about others and slanders them, or commits acts of sexual immorality and impurity are they good? What about those who blaspheme God's name, or covet their neighbors wife or husband or possessions? Are these good people? Have you done any one of these things? If so, you are not good no matter how small the act or thought. What about selfishness and pride or anger and greed? These are in the heart of man and they are not good.
Even though man has good intention at times it is obvious that he is by nature falling short of God's good standard. The bible says that the heart of man is exceedingly wicked, who can know it. The thought life of man and the behaviors of man are riddled with sin. Have you accepted this hard truth: that you have fallen short of God's glory and that you are not good by nature? If every thought and intention and action that you have ever had in your whole life was put on a reel and played so that all could really come to know you, would those watching conclude that you are a good person?
Personally, it has always made complete sense to me that if I do something that breaks the law and is morally wrong that there will be some sort of a consequence to pay. Obviously, if I get caught the law demands justice be served, but if I don't get caught am I really safe? Has justive been avoided? Can I really hide from God? It is not difficult to reason that I am responsible and will also be held accountable for all of my wrong actions at some point ...especially if I don't get caught now. You should realize this about yourself also. Even if you do not believe in God this does not change what is true.
Man is not Just, But God is and He created you with a free will to choose to love Him. Why else do you have a conscience that speaks of what is right and wrong deep within your soul? It is somewhat confusing to me that you try to make yourself feel better by ignoring your conscience so you can dodge what is true. This is a wasteful game to play that only hurts you in the end, because you will still stand before God alone one day, just as I will. We only live once, then we will face the judgement.
When I was 12 I got caught breaking and entering and vandalizing a home. Nothing but my sin nature lead me to do this. I was caught in the act and had to face the just punishment. I was guilty and was expecting the worst even though I was only 12. I deserved more then what I got not because I was guilty, but because the punishment didn't fit the crime. At 12 I didn't realize the magnitude of the mercy I received, but on the next crime I did. When I was 14 my dad caught me with a stash of wallets and other stuff I stole from a department store. $100's worth. The way he dealt with his "thief of a son" changed my life forever. I walked in my house from an afternoon of playing with friends and I saw it in his eyes. A seriousness that would silence any room. He said, "go to your room." I walked into my room and saw the stash of stolen goods on my bed and realized I was caught and deserving of punishment. I was expecting the belt, grounding forever, not being able to hang out with my friends anymore. He came in sat on the bed and spoke to me as an adult. My Dad explained to me where my life would lead if I continued stealing and lying. I believed him. He didn't raise his voice, didn't ground me, nor whip me with that belt. He told me I had 2 choices: 1: throw the stash in the trash or 2: Take the wallets back to the manager. I chose #2 because thankfully I realized I was experiencing moments of virtue and honor and I wanted to respect my Dad for dealing with me kindly when I didn't deserve it, and because of his kindness I wanted to do the right thing. So I packed all the stuff in a briefcase and my Dad drove me to the store and I went in by myself and asked for the manager. We sat down in his office, I showed him what I stole, apologized and then was anticipating my punishment because I was guilty. I wasn't trying to run away from my problem even though I knew I could be be doing community service for a long time. He said, "It looks like you are learning something. Thanks for bringing this back to me. You are free to go and please don't steal from me again." When I was walking out of the doors I cannot tell you adequetly enough how free and thankful I was to be pardoned or forgiven and shown mercy when I didn't deserve it. From that moment on I wanted to do the right thing even more and not take advantage of the gift of mercy I received from my Dad and the store manager. It was Mercy that changed my life. Mercy = Not getting the Justice that you deserve
If you are hard towards God do you want to know something....it's not his fault. It's because of your choices and possibly the choices of others you know that you are angry towards God and don't want anything to do with Him. But the truth is that both you and they are sinners by nature. Please understand that God has already shown you mercy even though you are guilty before him. Just as I was guilty before my dad as a thief and vandal, I am also guilty before God as rebellious and falling short of His perfection. In the same way you are also rebellious and falling short of God's perfection, and we really deserve to go to Hell
BUT
He took the wrath you deserve and instead poured it out upon his own Son, Jesus Christ. He wanted to prove to you that He really loves you inspite of all your sins and inspite of your rebellious nature, so Jesus died for you even while you were still sinning against him! He is not angry at you, He does not hate you. He has proven otherwise. But why do you blame God and others still for what has happened to you and for who you have become. It is only because this is a rebellios world and you are a rebellious person. I am being so direct because it is necessary, but please believe me it is in love and with hope that you will see the amazing truth of God's love for you. His Mercy is available to you the moment you believe on Him as your personal Lord and Savior. The only thing that will keep you from believing on Jesus is your personal pride and selfishness, and desire to live for your self. The Bible says that if you hear God calling you do not harden your heart towards Him. It says that TODAY is the day to be born again and to start a new life with Christ that is by FAITH.
If you are wanting to humble yourself because you know what I am sharing is true, please go and pray and talk to God wherever you are at. Look around you and wake up to the truth. That God's Son really did die for you personally so that all your sin nature could be forgiven and your eternity will be with God. Find a bible and start reading the Gospel of John. The God who created you is faithful and loving and desires that you come to know him personally. Don't delay!
With Love,
Hank
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Becoming More Complete.
Imagine finding a treasure of priceless worth! Do you think it would be somewhat of a challenge to learn how to manage it properly? Materialistically, if I became a multi-millionaire, I would heep onto myself a lot of extra responsibilities that if not achieved and respected with excellence, would quickly get me into trouble if not full on bankruptcy. For example, I would get into trouble if I had the mindset, "Now I can go buy that ? that I've always wanted, I can go to that place I've always dreamed of, I'm free at last!" And all the while with that type of managing I would be quickly eroding and self imploding. But if I learned to manage it right, meaning in Godliness, the riches would multiply miraculously, unbelievably and I would still look the same as I do today.
Spiritually speaking I already have the pearl of great price, in Christ.Heaven, Salvation, all the promises of God, and I ask myself, " Am I managing this inheritance right?", "Am I experiencing the power?' The answer is no because I am floating around, it's as if I am taking it for granted because I am not appropriating it right. I will always have this inheritance, meaning I am eternally secure and Justified in Christ no matter what! But the waffling, distracted life of my Christian walk comes from a lack of managing my spiritual wealth properly. The Lord is showing me how much I desperately need him to have his abundant life overflow out of me.
Living in this abundant life is my #1 desire.
I say all this because how many Christians waffle, waist time, miss the point of Christian living? We know the answer is many, and I personally am not satisified yet in my Christian walk. I know there is more, much more and this realization is always pressing in on my heart and mind because the Holy Spirit is saying, "there's more don't give up on believing that and searching for it." I'm so glad our lives are in God's hand and timing. He is going to truly bring us into the abundant life inspite of us, and I believe I am coming into an area of study, that many people already know, that will help accomplish this abundant life.
I am only right at the beginning stages though. It's like I have that multi million dollars in my control and I am desiring to manage it right, and share it with others responsibly. I'm thinking about it, and feeling the Spirit confirm to me, "yes go this way" no matter the opposition, no matter the opinion or pressure. I really believe that the Lord is going to bring his whole Church into this knowledge so that they may become wise virgins fully and completely ready for his return.
So many already know about it and are being blessed and becoming even more spiritually strong. But at the same time so many Christians shake their head and by doing so automatically forfeit the blessing that awaits because they just can't let go of their own understanding on the issues. But Oh, if we would all just let this truth sink into our hearts so that it guides our every step!: "Lean NOT on your own understanding, but in all your ways AKNOWLEDGE GOD and He will make your path straight." Speaking to the Believers in Christ, have we forgotten that the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob works super-naturally among his people and in ways we do not understand?
My weakness is my FLESH! My strength is the Faith God has given to me. I'm ready to see the supernatural unfold before me. It is going to happen in our coming days and whether it comes from evil motivation or Godly it won't surprise me or deceive me, that is if I lean on God in faith.
I thoughtfully say, what I believe God wants us to DO in the coming days of difficulty is enter into this realm of study that will fill our lamp stands with oil so that our lights keep shining in the darkness....supernaturally.The days that are coming are going to be super natural days. The Holy Spirit will DO his work through us and we just need to DO the work of preparing our hearts, minds, and bodies to live refined and SET APART. The Holy Spirit is going to move among us like the wind. Some will have food stored, some will find food miraculously appear, some will be hungry but sustained by the Spirit I already have many friends who have stored up 2 years worth of food.
I’m asking the Lord to help prepare my spirit so that I can receive and know his TORAH in my heart. Only those who will have TORAH will have the WAY, the TRUTH, and LIFE.
The big Question is how do we Study TORAH Correctly? If we're not careful we'll judge based on what many people think TORAH means: "LAW" and therefore "LEGALISM" but that approach is not correct and won't lend to the right understanding in the right context. Jesus Fulfilled the Law and Psalm 119 testifies to the outcome for those who live according to TORAH in the correct Spirit. TORAH means 'teaching', 'to hit the mark', 'to be lit up.'
The riches of the Word of God are wonderful and the way I have been studying it all these years has helped me tremendously. Now, I am beginning to see that there is more to be understood about Jesus Christ and His Word. I am excited to study the bible in a new light.
The following links are excellent resources for letting your roots go deeper when studying the Bible:
First Fruits of Zion
Messianic Bureau International
El Shaddai Ministries
Living Word Pictures
Jewish Voice Today
Israel My Glory
Imagine finding a treasure of priceless worth! Do you think it would be somewhat of a challenge to learn how to manage it properly? Materialistically, if I became a multi-millionaire, I would heep onto myself a lot of extra responsibilities that if not achieved and respected with excellence, would quickly get me into trouble if not full on bankruptcy. For example, I would get into trouble if I had the mindset, "Now I can go buy that ? that I've always wanted, I can go to that place I've always dreamed of, I'm free at last!" And all the while with that type of managing I would be quickly eroding and self imploding. But if I learned to manage it right, meaning in Godliness, the riches would multiply miraculously, unbelievably and I would still look the same as I do today.
Spiritually speaking I already have the pearl of great price, in Christ.Heaven, Salvation, all the promises of God, and I ask myself, " Am I managing this inheritance right?", "Am I experiencing the power?' The answer is no because I am floating around, it's as if I am taking it for granted because I am not appropriating it right. I will always have this inheritance, meaning I am eternally secure and Justified in Christ no matter what! But the waffling, distracted life of my Christian walk comes from a lack of managing my spiritual wealth properly. The Lord is showing me how much I desperately need him to have his abundant life overflow out of me.
Living in this abundant life is my #1 desire.
I say all this because how many Christians waffle, waist time, miss the point of Christian living? We know the answer is many, and I personally am not satisified yet in my Christian walk. I know there is more, much more and this realization is always pressing in on my heart and mind because the Holy Spirit is saying, "there's more don't give up on believing that and searching for it." I'm so glad our lives are in God's hand and timing. He is going to truly bring us into the abundant life inspite of us, and I believe I am coming into an area of study, that many people already know, that will help accomplish this abundant life.
I am only right at the beginning stages though. It's like I have that multi million dollars in my control and I am desiring to manage it right, and share it with others responsibly. I'm thinking about it, and feeling the Spirit confirm to me, "yes go this way" no matter the opposition, no matter the opinion or pressure. I really believe that the Lord is going to bring his whole Church into this knowledge so that they may become wise virgins fully and completely ready for his return.
So many already know about it and are being blessed and becoming even more spiritually strong. But at the same time so many Christians shake their head and by doing so automatically forfeit the blessing that awaits because they just can't let go of their own understanding on the issues. But Oh, if we would all just let this truth sink into our hearts so that it guides our every step!: "Lean NOT on your own understanding, but in all your ways AKNOWLEDGE GOD and He will make your path straight." Speaking to the Believers in Christ, have we forgotten that the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob works super-naturally among his people and in ways we do not understand?
My weakness is my FLESH! My strength is the Faith God has given to me. I'm ready to see the supernatural unfold before me. It is going to happen in our coming days and whether it comes from evil motivation or Godly it won't surprise me or deceive me, that is if I lean on God in faith.
I thoughtfully say, what I believe God wants us to DO in the coming days of difficulty is enter into this realm of study that will fill our lamp stands with oil so that our lights keep shining in the darkness....supernaturally.The days that are coming are going to be super natural days. The Holy Spirit will DO his work through us and we just need to DO the work of preparing our hearts, minds, and bodies to live refined and SET APART. The Holy Spirit is going to move among us like the wind. Some will have food stored, some will find food miraculously appear, some will be hungry but sustained by the Spirit I already have many friends who have stored up 2 years worth of food.
I’m asking the Lord to help prepare my spirit so that I can receive and know his TORAH in my heart. Only those who will have TORAH will have the WAY, the TRUTH, and LIFE.
The big Question is how do we Study TORAH Correctly? If we're not careful we'll judge based on what many people think TORAH means: "LAW" and therefore "LEGALISM" but that approach is not correct and won't lend to the right understanding in the right context. Jesus Fulfilled the Law and Psalm 119 testifies to the outcome for those who live according to TORAH in the correct Spirit. TORAH means 'teaching', 'to hit the mark', 'to be lit up.'
The riches of the Word of God are wonderful and the way I have been studying it all these years has helped me tremendously. Now, I am beginning to see that there is more to be understood about Jesus Christ and His Word. I am excited to study the bible in a new light.
The following links are excellent resources for letting your roots go deeper when studying the Bible:
First Fruits of Zion
Messianic Bureau International
El Shaddai Ministries
Living Word Pictures
Jewish Voice Today
Israel My Glory
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
The Bible Speaks on the Issue
Let me first say, if you commit to studying the bible you’ll see for yourself that it is a book of authority, truth and redemption for your life. In the time that I’ve personally spent in the bible, I have come to see this and believe that it is a book of power and is really from the heart of God… not just a bunch of books that men alone came up with, but men who were inspired by the Holy Spirit of God. That Inspiration is the difference! The truth is I would never have known it to be if I had just listened to critics or not thought about what it had to say introspectively when reading it. Contrary to popular vote, the bible does not contradict itself. It does not contain lies, and therefore it can be trusted. If you start reading it and observe the world around you in context to the scriptures it will make sense of everything. It will become your resource for life and wisdom. But to find the treasure you must read it for yourself with a desire to know the truth about who you are in the eyes of God. Everyone loves a rose, but will you be thankful for it’s thorns too. God is awesome and His book is beautiful but it also contains a ferocious bite that people avoid like the plague. The amazing thing is that the bite is not a bite of death, rather it is a bite that leads to life. It will hurt you before it heals you in every way: Physically, Emotionally, Intellectually, and Spiritually. “For a seed to bare its fruit, it must first die.”
On the Subject of Middle East Peace:
On the Subject of Middle East Peace:
Relevant and Current news headlines:
Date: 09/12/08-What 'yes' means
Date: 12/12/08- What Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu faces from Washington
Date: 12/15/08- Jewish Settler Population Doubled in 12 Years
Date: 12/16/08- Quartet: US-led Middle East Talks 'Irreversible'
Date: 12/16/08- Rice Sites Middle East Peace Moves
Date: 12/16/08- Rice moves to bind incoming Israeli Prime Minister
Date: 09/12/08-What 'yes' means
Date: 12/12/08- What Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu faces from Washington
Date: 12/15/08- Jewish Settler Population Doubled in 12 Years
Date: 12/16/08- Quartet: US-led Middle East Talks 'Irreversible'
Date: 12/16/08- Rice Sites Middle East Peace Moves
Date: 12/16/08- Rice moves to bind incoming Israeli Prime Minister
Date: 12/16/08- Adopting Text on the Middle East Conflict- Security Council Reaffirms Support of Annapolis Outcome
Date 12/16/08- Secretary Rice with Other Members of the Quartet Deliver Remarks after Meeting on Middle East- Video
Date 12/16/08- Secretary Rice with Other Members of the Quartet Deliver Remarks after Meeting on Middle East- Video
Date 12/17/08- Israel Issues New Warning on Iranian Nuclear Arms
Date 12/17/08- Russia Provides 10 MiG Fighter Jets to Lebanon for Free
Date 12/17/08- Russia Provides 10 MiG Fighter Jets to Lebanon for Free
Date: Today- But What Does The Bible Say?
IN CONTEXT, WHAT DOES GOD’S WORD SAY ON THE SUBJECT OF THIS ‘LAND FOR PEACE’ DILEMMA IN THE MIDDLE EAST?
There are a number of facts to become aware of in order to really make sense of this.
As you consider the scriptures and research the history you will find them both to be true.
Fact #1.
IN CONTEXT, WHAT DOES GOD’S WORD SAY ON THE SUBJECT OF THIS ‘LAND FOR PEACE’ DILEMMA IN THE MIDDLE EAST?
There are a number of facts to become aware of in order to really make sense of this.
As you consider the scriptures and research the history you will find them both to be true.
Fact #1.
The Jewish people are the Chosen People:
(Deuteronomy 7:6 , Isaiah 43: 10-11)
Fact #2.
The Land of Israel belongs to God:
(Psalm 24:1, Deuteronomy 32:8-9)
Fact #3.
The Chosen People needed a Chosen Land, and so the God of Israel strategically chose the Land of Israel for the People of Israel:
(Ezekial 5:5)
Fact #4.
The Land of Israel was given by God to the descendants of Abraham as an everlasting possession:
(Genesis 12:7, Genesis 17:7-8)
Fact #5.
Even though Abraham had many sons, the Land of Israel wasn't given to Ishmael, or to any of the other sons of Abraham, but only to Isaac:
(Genesis 17:18-19, Genesis 26:3-4,Genesis 25:5-6)
Fact #6.
Even though Isaac had two sons, the Land wasn't given to Esau, but to Jacob:
(Genesis 28:13, Genesis 35:11-12)
Fact #7.
There is no doubt about Israel's God-given borders because they are described for us in detail in the Holy Scriptures:
( Genesis 13:14-17, Genesis 15:18-21, Exodus 23:31)
Fact #8.
In addition to the everlasting covenant (which includes the Land), God swore an oath to give the Jewish people this Land:
(Hebrews 6:16-18, Psalm 105:8-11)
Fact #9.
Israel's sin and resulting exile from the Land of Israel never annulled God's covenant with His Chosen People, nor did it permanently abrogate their right to the Land of Israel:
( Leviticus 26:44-45, Deuteronomy 30:1-5, Luke 21:23-24)
Fact #10.
In His prophetic Word, God promised to regather Jews to "their own Land":
(Ezekial 36:24, 28, Ezekial 37:21, Jeremiah 16:14-15)
Fact #11.
In His prophetic Word, God calls this restored Land "Israel" - not "Palestine":
(Ezekial 37:12)
Fact #12.
God, speaking to Israel through the prophet Ezekiel, informs them that this Land is specifically reserved for the Jewish people:
(Ezekial 36:8-10)
Fact #13.
2,500 years ago the Lord also told us that the Jewish return to the Land would provoke a reaction from Israel's neighbors:
(Ezekial 36:2-5)
Fact #14.
God will severely judge any nation who divides up any part of this special Land:
(Joel 3:1-2)
Fact #15.
Eventually this conflict over the Land of Israel will entangle the entire world:
(Zechariah 12: 1-3)
Fact #16.
This conflict will be a time of great difficulty for the Jewish people, but they will be miraculously delivered out of it:
(Jeremiah 30:7, Consider Ezekial 36-39 as you watch Russia, Iran and other Countries Allign Militarily)
Fact #17.
Many Christians won’t accept these facts because they accept the erroneous teaching of ‘Replacement Theology’ which claims that God is finished with the Jewish people, and has replaced Israel with the Church.
(Jeremiah 33:24-26, Romans 11:17-24)
Fact #18.
All of God’s promises to the Jewish people will literally be fulfilled
(Jeremiah 33:24-26)
The land that nobody wants Israel to have really belongs to God:
Psalm 24:1-2: “1 The earth is the LORD’s, and all its fullness,The world and those who dwell therein.2 For He has founded it upon the seas,And established it upon the waters.”
Leviticus 25:23: “23 ‘The land shall not be sold permanently, for the land is Mine; for you are strangers and sojourners with Me.”
God chooses Abraham and promises to give the whole land of Canaan to his descendants as an everlasting possession.
Genesis 17:7-9: “7 And I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you in their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and your descendants after you. 8 Also I give to you and your descendants after you the land in which you are a stranger, all the land of Canaan, as an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.” 9 And God said to Abraham: “As for you, you shall keep My covenant, you and your descendants after you throughout their generations.
God keeps his promise to Abraham and chooses his son Isaac to inherit the whole land of Canaan
Genesis 26:2-5: “2 Then the LORD appeared to him and said: “Do not go down to Egypt; live in the land of which I shall tell you. 3 Dwell in this land, and I will be with you and bless you; for to you and your descendants I give all these lands, and I will perform the oath which I swore to Abraham your father. 4 And I will make your descendants multiply as the stars of heaven; I will give to your descendants all these lands; and in your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed; 5 because Abraham obeyed My voice and kept My charge, My commandments, My statutes, and My laws.”
God keeps his promise to Abraham and Isaac and chooses Isaacs son Jacob to inherit the whole land of Canaan.
Genesis 28: 13-15: 13 And behold, the LORD stood above it and said: “I am the LORD God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac; the land on which you lie I will give to you and your descendants. 14 Also your descendants shall be as the dust of the earth; you shall spread abroad to the west and the east, to the north and the south; and in you and in your seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed. 15 Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have spoken to you.”
Jacob was chosen not Ishmael or the Arabs
Isaiah 41:8-9: “8 But you, Israel, are My servant, Jacob whom I have chosen,The descendants of Abraham My friend. 9 You whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, And called from its farthest regions, And said to you, ‘ You are My servant, I have chosen you and have not cast you away.”
God commands Moses to lead the descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob into the land God gave them after the Egyptian Captivity.
Exodus 33:1-2: “1 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Depart and go up from here, you and the people whom you have brought out of the land of Egypt, to the land of which I swore to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, saying, ‘To your descendants I will give it. 2 And I will send My Angel before you, and I will drive out the Canaanite and the Amorite and the Hittite and the Perizzite and the Hivite and the Jebusite.’”
God says he will re-establish Israel as a Nation after being scattered throughout the nations for many years. In 1948 Israel became a nation again and God has been bringing them back ever since!
Ezekial 37:21: “Then say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD: “Surely I will take the children of Israel from among the nations, wherever they have gone, and will gather them from every side and bring them into their own land;
God proclaims that his covenant with Israel will never be broken.
Psalm 89:34: “34 My covenant I will not break, Nor alter the word that has gone out of My lips.”
The land that nobody wants Israel to have really belongs to God:
Psalm 24:1-2: “1 The earth is the LORD’s, and all its fullness,The world and those who dwell therein.2 For He has founded it upon the seas,And established it upon the waters.”
Leviticus 25:23: “23 ‘The land shall not be sold permanently, for the land is Mine; for you are strangers and sojourners with Me.”
God chooses Abraham and promises to give the whole land of Canaan to his descendants as an everlasting possession.
Genesis 17:7-9: “7 And I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you in their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and your descendants after you. 8 Also I give to you and your descendants after you the land in which you are a stranger, all the land of Canaan, as an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.” 9 And God said to Abraham: “As for you, you shall keep My covenant, you and your descendants after you throughout their generations.
God keeps his promise to Abraham and chooses his son Isaac to inherit the whole land of Canaan
Genesis 26:2-5: “2 Then the LORD appeared to him and said: “Do not go down to Egypt; live in the land of which I shall tell you. 3 Dwell in this land, and I will be with you and bless you; for to you and your descendants I give all these lands, and I will perform the oath which I swore to Abraham your father. 4 And I will make your descendants multiply as the stars of heaven; I will give to your descendants all these lands; and in your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed; 5 because Abraham obeyed My voice and kept My charge, My commandments, My statutes, and My laws.”
God keeps his promise to Abraham and Isaac and chooses Isaacs son Jacob to inherit the whole land of Canaan.
Genesis 28: 13-15: 13 And behold, the LORD stood above it and said: “I am the LORD God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac; the land on which you lie I will give to you and your descendants. 14 Also your descendants shall be as the dust of the earth; you shall spread abroad to the west and the east, to the north and the south; and in you and in your seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed. 15 Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have spoken to you.”
Jacob was chosen not Ishmael or the Arabs
Isaiah 41:8-9: “8 But you, Israel, are My servant, Jacob whom I have chosen,The descendants of Abraham My friend. 9 You whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, And called from its farthest regions, And said to you, ‘ You are My servant, I have chosen you and have not cast you away.”
God commands Moses to lead the descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob into the land God gave them after the Egyptian Captivity.
Exodus 33:1-2: “1 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Depart and go up from here, you and the people whom you have brought out of the land of Egypt, to the land of which I swore to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, saying, ‘To your descendants I will give it. 2 And I will send My Angel before you, and I will drive out the Canaanite and the Amorite and the Hittite and the Perizzite and the Hivite and the Jebusite.’”
God says he will re-establish Israel as a Nation after being scattered throughout the nations for many years. In 1948 Israel became a nation again and God has been bringing them back ever since!
Ezekial 37:21: “Then say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD: “Surely I will take the children of Israel from among the nations, wherever they have gone, and will gather them from every side and bring them into their own land;
God proclaims that his covenant with Israel will never be broken.
Psalm 89:34: “34 My covenant I will not break, Nor alter the word that has gone out of My lips.”
Today there are no descendants from the Canaanites. They were utterly destroyed in this battle.
Numbers 21:2-3: “2 So Israel made a vow to the LORD, and said, “If You will indeed deliver this people into my hand, then I will utterly destroy their cities.” 3 And the LORD listened to the voice of Israel and delivered up the Canaanites, and they utterly destroyed them and their cities. So the name of that place was called Hormah.”
Interesting Charts
Hebrew Bible Genesis Offspring
Tribes of Jacob Chart
Deeper Outline:
God's Covenant Through Moses
God's Covenant Through Moses
Monday, December 08, 2008
Bottom Line:
BOTTOM LINE: I'm so grateful for Jesus Christ...that's the understatement of my life! My personal relationship with Jesus Christ is a powerful and real thing... truly beyond me. Knowing Jesus personally is better then having fresh air to breathe, or a cold glass of ice water, or a hot plate of food before me when I'm hungry. It's actually better then life itself. No matter what happens in my life I know Jesus is the same and He will always be faithful to what is written in the Bible. I would be lost if I didn't read the bible for myself. I wouldn't know the rich promises it contains that really apply to me personally, and as a result, and in the context of working out my own personal salvation with fear and trembling, all I care about is if I remain faithful to him and love people as he loves.
Loving as Jesus Loves Whew! That is a tall order ...but a very Sweet order. The reality is that loving like Jesus loves consistently is the greatest and most challenging goal he has placed on my life. The problem is that I don't always love people right. I still have this flesh nature to wrestle with. This flesh in me causes me to get bothered by things more then I used to, to give into those things that are not good for me and when I choose what's not good my relationship with him and others suffer. In many ways, I have become more like myself rather then Jesus and in other ways I have learned to be like Jesus. But the truth in all my changing is that Jesus has never changed. In His constant faithfulness he reminds me that I have a fresh and clean slate to begin with every moment of my life since I believe on him. This means even in my failures he gives me the assurance of hope that I can change and become more loving as I yield to and choose his ways because my life is wrapped solid in his forgiveness and mercy. I fear no condemnation for my sins because that's what he promises me because I trust in him. I know God has tranformed my life because I hate to sin against him.
BOTTOM LINE, all that I experience in my walk with Christ is because he already won the eternal battle of death in me during those days of his perfect living, perfect dying and powerful resurrecting. Because he hasn't changed from the beginning nor will he for eternity I am relieved and free! So he's the secure ROCK that I aim to stand on even in the daily grind of working hard to become more like him. My grind is the ever present battle inside of me to take captive the things in me that are contrary to his Word, and yield my life to his will by the power of His Holy Spirit and not my own efforts.
Another reason I'm so grateful for Jesus is because he knows me completely for who I really am at the BOTTOM LINE. And Who I really am is a Good, Bad, and Ugly Sinner with a capital S. I take no pride in this because it is not good. By nature I am not good. I've lied, stolen things, lusted after other people in my heart, which is adultrey in the heart, I've used God's name in vain which is blasphemy. So when I am completely honest with myself I know that I am guilty of being a liar, a thief, a blasphemer, an adulterer at heart. I am guilty of breaking Gods law. realizing this about myself was good and accepting what the bible says about me was good. I realized that being a Sinner ends in eternal death in hell for me unless Jesus' blood is applied to my life. I learned that Jesus' blood is the only ransom worth eternity in the eyes of God the Father, and when I accept Jesus in faith as the payment for my Sin Nature, God the Father graciously justifies me and makes me right in His Holy eyes. He saves me and changes me. Imagine having clothes of excrement and then being given clothes that are as white as snow. That basically what jesus has done for me. Thank you jesus! I admit the truth of my nature as a man before God and others because it is the only way of becoming really free. Free from myself and the consequences of living for myself and free to live in a new way that is really alive.
BOTTOM LINE, I would know nothing about Jesus Christ if I just listened, watched or read the media, or only read Christian books, or only listened to Pastors as they speak of who Jesus is. I would actually only get a skewed perspective of who he is. As I have witnessed the world turn in my 32 yrs and honestly assessed who I am as a person in nature, and as I learn from people and history about who people are by nature, the evidence is totally obvious that what the bible says is absolutely true. It is the only faithful book that has put into me the assurance of who Jesus Christ really is.
BOTTOM LINE: I'm so grateful for Jesus Christ...that's the understatement of my life! My personal relationship with Jesus Christ is a powerful and real thing... truly beyond me. Knowing Jesus personally is better then having fresh air to breathe, or a cold glass of ice water, or a hot plate of food before me when I'm hungry. It's actually better then life itself. No matter what happens in my life I know Jesus is the same and He will always be faithful to what is written in the Bible. I would be lost if I didn't read the bible for myself. I wouldn't know the rich promises it contains that really apply to me personally, and as a result, and in the context of working out my own personal salvation with fear and trembling, all I care about is if I remain faithful to him and love people as he loves.
Loving as Jesus Loves Whew! That is a tall order ...but a very Sweet order. The reality is that loving like Jesus loves consistently is the greatest and most challenging goal he has placed on my life. The problem is that I don't always love people right. I still have this flesh nature to wrestle with. This flesh in me causes me to get bothered by things more then I used to, to give into those things that are not good for me and when I choose what's not good my relationship with him and others suffer. In many ways, I have become more like myself rather then Jesus and in other ways I have learned to be like Jesus. But the truth in all my changing is that Jesus has never changed. In His constant faithfulness he reminds me that I have a fresh and clean slate to begin with every moment of my life since I believe on him. This means even in my failures he gives me the assurance of hope that I can change and become more loving as I yield to and choose his ways because my life is wrapped solid in his forgiveness and mercy. I fear no condemnation for my sins because that's what he promises me because I trust in him. I know God has tranformed my life because I hate to sin against him.
BOTTOM LINE, all that I experience in my walk with Christ is because he already won the eternal battle of death in me during those days of his perfect living, perfect dying and powerful resurrecting. Because he hasn't changed from the beginning nor will he for eternity I am relieved and free! So he's the secure ROCK that I aim to stand on even in the daily grind of working hard to become more like him. My grind is the ever present battle inside of me to take captive the things in me that are contrary to his Word, and yield my life to his will by the power of His Holy Spirit and not my own efforts.
Another reason I'm so grateful for Jesus is because he knows me completely for who I really am at the BOTTOM LINE. And Who I really am is a Good, Bad, and Ugly Sinner with a capital S. I take no pride in this because it is not good. By nature I am not good. I've lied, stolen things, lusted after other people in my heart, which is adultrey in the heart, I've used God's name in vain which is blasphemy. So when I am completely honest with myself I know that I am guilty of being a liar, a thief, a blasphemer, an adulterer at heart. I am guilty of breaking Gods law. realizing this about myself was good and accepting what the bible says about me was good. I realized that being a Sinner ends in eternal death in hell for me unless Jesus' blood is applied to my life. I learned that Jesus' blood is the only ransom worth eternity in the eyes of God the Father, and when I accept Jesus in faith as the payment for my Sin Nature, God the Father graciously justifies me and makes me right in His Holy eyes. He saves me and changes me. Imagine having clothes of excrement and then being given clothes that are as white as snow. That basically what jesus has done for me. Thank you jesus! I admit the truth of my nature as a man before God and others because it is the only way of becoming really free. Free from myself and the consequences of living for myself and free to live in a new way that is really alive.
BOTTOM LINE, I would know nothing about Jesus Christ if I just listened, watched or read the media, or only read Christian books, or only listened to Pastors as they speak of who Jesus is. I would actually only get a skewed perspective of who he is. As I have witnessed the world turn in my 32 yrs and honestly assessed who I am as a person in nature, and as I learn from people and history about who people are by nature, the evidence is totally obvious that what the bible says is absolutely true. It is the only faithful book that has put into me the assurance of who Jesus Christ really is.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
OPEN DIALOGUE:
My Friend Jeff wrote this recently in response to some relevant questions many people are asking today about Christianity:
"I am not an advocate of saying that Christianity has to be closely connected to politics. I was simply answering the question posted. For all I care, any religion can be closely connected to politics. This country wasn't founded on freedom of religion, but that's a different conversation. As for me, I am a Christian and that means that I believe in the Bible (God's Word) to be inspired by God. That means I believe it is infallible. God's Word, (not my word) says that it is only by the name of Jesus that any of us can come to the Father and have eternal with Him (John 14:6).
This is hard for any one to believe that doesn't have faith in God. No one likes to be told that there is only one way to anything, but it doesn't change the laws of God...and by the way, He is a good, loving, compassionate, and merciful God...not oppressive. I wouldn't want to be under the oppressive rule of the Church of England either. Man might have made Christianity oppressive, but then God's Word would say that people who have done that aren't Christians. 1 John 2:4 says: "Whoever says 'I know Him' but does not keep His commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in Him." People have come in the name of Christianity or in the name of Jesus and have done things that God HATES, and everyone sees what they have done and says, "Well, there you go, that's what Christians are like." But, if you took time to study the Bible, you would see that it is the farthest things from being oppressive...but it does say that: "At the name of Jesus every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" Phillipians 2:10-11. This is oppressive to people who claim that they don't need anyone to be righteous, and to people who think they've got it all figured out.
If you believe that you can attain righteousness on your own, then this message will be foolish to you. But if you understand the inherent nature of man, you would say that we, on our own cannot make ourselves righteous. This is where The Bible says we must die to ourselves, give up our desires, and ask Jesus to come in to our lives and cleanse us from our filth. Then and only then can one experience any kind of enlightenment with God. Jesus, being perfect in nature, died on the cross to pay the price for our sin, then conquered death by raising up from the grave, and then ascended to heaven to sit at the right hand of God the Father. that is why we can call on the name of Jesus and be saved from the consequences of our sin nature, which is the wrath of God. Because Jesus interceded for us, we can come before the Father and have fellowship with Him, and have true life with Him here in this life and after. We deserve death because of our sin, but Jesus took our place and offered to all who call on His name, perfect fellowship with God in eternity. That's not an oppressive message.
I submit to you, if you feel that Christianity is oppressive, then you have not seen a true Christian. The 2 greatest commandments that Jesus gave us were: Love God and love people! (Matthew 22:37-40)...and loving people isn't always giving them what we want. I love my son, but he's 5 years old and he wants to play with a chain saw. I will not let that happen because I love him. If he gets his hands on a chain saw he could destroy a lot of things, and possibly kill himself or others. In the same way, God loves us and wants us to live in truth so he has set boundaries around good things and bad things. As man, we have challenged God's boundaries and have reaped destruction upon ourselves and others.
God does not change, but we continue to think we can do what we want, believe in what we want and still get to the place we want to. 2+2=4. God says that there is only one way to Him, and we challenge that and say "that's not true". It's like telling your math teacher that 2+2=5. Your teacher will say no it doesn't. Know matter how much you protest or argue, then answer is still 4. If you answer 5 on the test, you will get it wrong. It is the same with God. The only way to eternal life with Him is through Jesus. If that's oppressive to you, then I pray that you wouldn't be offended, only encouraged to find out what really is true. God promises to reveal truth to all who truly desire to find it!" Shalom, Jeff
My Friend Jeff wrote this recently in response to some relevant questions many people are asking today about Christianity:
"I am not an advocate of saying that Christianity has to be closely connected to politics. I was simply answering the question posted. For all I care, any religion can be closely connected to politics. This country wasn't founded on freedom of religion, but that's a different conversation. As for me, I am a Christian and that means that I believe in the Bible (God's Word) to be inspired by God. That means I believe it is infallible. God's Word, (not my word) says that it is only by the name of Jesus that any of us can come to the Father and have eternal with Him (John 14:6).
This is hard for any one to believe that doesn't have faith in God. No one likes to be told that there is only one way to anything, but it doesn't change the laws of God...and by the way, He is a good, loving, compassionate, and merciful God...not oppressive. I wouldn't want to be under the oppressive rule of the Church of England either. Man might have made Christianity oppressive, but then God's Word would say that people who have done that aren't Christians. 1 John 2:4 says: "Whoever says 'I know Him' but does not keep His commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in Him." People have come in the name of Christianity or in the name of Jesus and have done things that God HATES, and everyone sees what they have done and says, "Well, there you go, that's what Christians are like." But, if you took time to study the Bible, you would see that it is the farthest things from being oppressive...but it does say that: "At the name of Jesus every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" Phillipians 2:10-11. This is oppressive to people who claim that they don't need anyone to be righteous, and to people who think they've got it all figured out.
If you believe that you can attain righteousness on your own, then this message will be foolish to you. But if you understand the inherent nature of man, you would say that we, on our own cannot make ourselves righteous. This is where The Bible says we must die to ourselves, give up our desires, and ask Jesus to come in to our lives and cleanse us from our filth. Then and only then can one experience any kind of enlightenment with God. Jesus, being perfect in nature, died on the cross to pay the price for our sin, then conquered death by raising up from the grave, and then ascended to heaven to sit at the right hand of God the Father. that is why we can call on the name of Jesus and be saved from the consequences of our sin nature, which is the wrath of God. Because Jesus interceded for us, we can come before the Father and have fellowship with Him, and have true life with Him here in this life and after. We deserve death because of our sin, but Jesus took our place and offered to all who call on His name, perfect fellowship with God in eternity. That's not an oppressive message.
I submit to you, if you feel that Christianity is oppressive, then you have not seen a true Christian. The 2 greatest commandments that Jesus gave us were: Love God and love people! (Matthew 22:37-40)...and loving people isn't always giving them what we want. I love my son, but he's 5 years old and he wants to play with a chain saw. I will not let that happen because I love him. If he gets his hands on a chain saw he could destroy a lot of things, and possibly kill himself or others. In the same way, God loves us and wants us to live in truth so he has set boundaries around good things and bad things. As man, we have challenged God's boundaries and have reaped destruction upon ourselves and others.
God does not change, but we continue to think we can do what we want, believe in what we want and still get to the place we want to. 2+2=4. God says that there is only one way to Him, and we challenge that and say "that's not true". It's like telling your math teacher that 2+2=5. Your teacher will say no it doesn't. Know matter how much you protest or argue, then answer is still 4. If you answer 5 on the test, you will get it wrong. It is the same with God. The only way to eternal life with Him is through Jesus. If that's oppressive to you, then I pray that you wouldn't be offended, only encouraged to find out what really is true. God promises to reveal truth to all who truly desire to find it!" Shalom, Jeff
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Remembering Lynette...thanks to a friend.
I was just thinking about the things that we rely upon as God’s children. Those things that can really make a difference in our hearts in any circumstance we face. Those things are the PROMISES of God and a LOVE for his Word that goes beyond just saying, “I love God’s Word” I recently read a quote that spoke loud to me. People Say I know the Word of God but what really matters is if we Know the God of the Word. That makes all the difference when taking in his promises to us because then it is about our personal relationship with him and he is the focus not our knowledge or experiences. No one can comfort except our God. When death comes upon people who are in Christ it is actually a reminder of OUR BLESSED ASSURANCE that we all WILL be RESURRECTED and will be with God and one another for eternity.
I Thessolaonians 4:13-18 talks about what will happen to her and us on that awesome day:
The Hope of the Resurrection
13 And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died[f] so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. 14 For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died.
15 We tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet him ahead of those who have died.[g] 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the Christians who have died[h] will rise from their graves. 17 Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. 18 So encourage each other with these words.
That promise is what keeps hopelessness and despair from entering into our grief. Jesus wept when Lazarus died and we weep also but we look to that glorious day and therefore can now rejoice and celebrate the memorial of our loved ones who go into Christ presence before us…. Although we miss them terribly with tears we can truly celebrate that they are IN CHRIST or IN ETERNAL LIFE. They are not dead they are sleeping.
Psalm 139 is a powerful revealing of how much God loves your mother in law and is in control of her life from birth to death:
1 O Lord, you have examined my heart
and know everything about me.
2 You know when I sit down or stand up.
You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.
3 You see me when I travel
and when I rest at home.
You know everything I do.
4 You know what I am going to say
even before I say it, Lord.
5 You go before me and follow me.
You place your hand of blessing on my head.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too great for me to understand!
7 I can never escape from your Spirit!
I can never get away from your presence!
8 If I go up to heaven, you are there;
if I go down to the grave,[a] you are there.
9 If I ride the wings of the morning,
if I dwell by the farthest oceans,
10 even there your hand will guide me,
and your strength will support me.
11 I could ask the darkness to hide me
and the light around me to become night—
12 but even in darkness I cannot hide from you.
To you the night shines as bright as day.
Darkness and light are the same to you.
13 You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body
and knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!
Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.
15 You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,
as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.
16 You saw me before I was born.
Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out
before a single day had passed.
17 How precious are your thoughts about me,[b] O God.
They cannot be numbered!
18 I can’t even count them;
they outnumber the grains of sand!
And when I wake up,
you are still with me!
19 O God, if only you would destroy the wicked!
Get out of my life, you murderers!
20 They blaspheme you;
your enemies misuse your name.
21 O Lord, shouldn’t I hate those who hate you?
Shouldn’t I despise those who oppose you?
22 Yes, I hate them with total hatred,
for your enemies are my enemies.
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 Point out anything in me that offends you,
and lead me along the path of everlasting life.
Another thing is that the REALITY of our faith is realized and magnified when our loved ones pass and so its also an encouragement to us who are still on this earth to keep entrusting all of ourselves to Christ and to most importantly share our faith with others and to love one another
1 Peter 1:13-25
A Call to Holy Living
13 So think clearly and exercise self-control. Look forward to the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. 14 So you must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then. 15 But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. 16 For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy.”[c]
17 And remember that the heavenly Father to whom you pray has no favorites. He will judge or reward you according to what you do. So you must live in reverent fear of him during your time as “foreigners in the land.” 18 For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And the ransom he paid was not mere gold or silver. 19 It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God. 20 God chose him as your ransom long before the world began, but he has now revealed him to you in these last days.
21 Through Christ you have come to trust in God. And you have placed your faith and hope in God because he raised Christ from the dead and gave him great glory.
22 You were cleansed from your sins when you obeyed the truth, so now you must show sincere love to each other as brothers and sisters.[d] Love each other deeply with all your heart.[e]
23 For you have been born again, but not to a life that will quickly end. Your new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God. 24 As the Scriptures say,
“People are like grass;
their beauty is like a flower in the field.
The grass withers and the flower fades.
25 But the word of the Lord remains forever.”[f]
And that word is the Good News that was preached to you.
Just imagine if your mother-in-law did not have a personal relationship with Jesus. I can’t bare thinking about the eternal death of someone I know or dearly love that did not know Christ, because the Bible clearly reveals to humanity that God is perfectly Just and does not forgive a persons sin nature unless they have been washed clean by the atoning sacrifice of His Son Jesus Christ. God has provided no other way to be forgiven of sin. Praise God Your Mother-in-law is in the presence of Christ!!! I hope these three verses help and I’ll be praying that everyone will rejoice and celebrate all the grateness of your mother-in-laws life. Especially the one she is now experiencing in Christ's presence.
I was just thinking about the things that we rely upon as God’s children. Those things that can really make a difference in our hearts in any circumstance we face. Those things are the PROMISES of God and a LOVE for his Word that goes beyond just saying, “I love God’s Word” I recently read a quote that spoke loud to me. People Say I know the Word of God but what really matters is if we Know the God of the Word. That makes all the difference when taking in his promises to us because then it is about our personal relationship with him and he is the focus not our knowledge or experiences. No one can comfort except our God. When death comes upon people who are in Christ it is actually a reminder of OUR BLESSED ASSURANCE that we all WILL be RESURRECTED and will be with God and one another for eternity.
I Thessolaonians 4:13-18 talks about what will happen to her and us on that awesome day:
The Hope of the Resurrection
13 And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died[f] so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. 14 For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died.
15 We tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet him ahead of those who have died.[g] 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the Christians who have died[h] will rise from their graves. 17 Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. 18 So encourage each other with these words.
That promise is what keeps hopelessness and despair from entering into our grief. Jesus wept when Lazarus died and we weep also but we look to that glorious day and therefore can now rejoice and celebrate the memorial of our loved ones who go into Christ presence before us…. Although we miss them terribly with tears we can truly celebrate that they are IN CHRIST or IN ETERNAL LIFE. They are not dead they are sleeping.
Psalm 139 is a powerful revealing of how much God loves your mother in law and is in control of her life from birth to death:
1 O Lord, you have examined my heart
and know everything about me.
2 You know when I sit down or stand up.
You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.
3 You see me when I travel
and when I rest at home.
You know everything I do.
4 You know what I am going to say
even before I say it, Lord.
5 You go before me and follow me.
You place your hand of blessing on my head.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too great for me to understand!
7 I can never escape from your Spirit!
I can never get away from your presence!
8 If I go up to heaven, you are there;
if I go down to the grave,[a] you are there.
9 If I ride the wings of the morning,
if I dwell by the farthest oceans,
10 even there your hand will guide me,
and your strength will support me.
11 I could ask the darkness to hide me
and the light around me to become night—
12 but even in darkness I cannot hide from you.
To you the night shines as bright as day.
Darkness and light are the same to you.
13 You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body
and knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!
Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.
15 You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,
as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.
16 You saw me before I was born.
Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out
before a single day had passed.
17 How precious are your thoughts about me,[b] O God.
They cannot be numbered!
18 I can’t even count them;
they outnumber the grains of sand!
And when I wake up,
you are still with me!
19 O God, if only you would destroy the wicked!
Get out of my life, you murderers!
20 They blaspheme you;
your enemies misuse your name.
21 O Lord, shouldn’t I hate those who hate you?
Shouldn’t I despise those who oppose you?
22 Yes, I hate them with total hatred,
for your enemies are my enemies.
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 Point out anything in me that offends you,
and lead me along the path of everlasting life.
Another thing is that the REALITY of our faith is realized and magnified when our loved ones pass and so its also an encouragement to us who are still on this earth to keep entrusting all of ourselves to Christ and to most importantly share our faith with others and to love one another
1 Peter 1:13-25
A Call to Holy Living
13 So think clearly and exercise self-control. Look forward to the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. 14 So you must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then. 15 But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. 16 For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy.”[c]
17 And remember that the heavenly Father to whom you pray has no favorites. He will judge or reward you according to what you do. So you must live in reverent fear of him during your time as “foreigners in the land.” 18 For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And the ransom he paid was not mere gold or silver. 19 It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God. 20 God chose him as your ransom long before the world began, but he has now revealed him to you in these last days.
21 Through Christ you have come to trust in God. And you have placed your faith and hope in God because he raised Christ from the dead and gave him great glory.
22 You were cleansed from your sins when you obeyed the truth, so now you must show sincere love to each other as brothers and sisters.[d] Love each other deeply with all your heart.[e]
23 For you have been born again, but not to a life that will quickly end. Your new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God. 24 As the Scriptures say,
“People are like grass;
their beauty is like a flower in the field.
The grass withers and the flower fades.
25 But the word of the Lord remains forever.”[f]
And that word is the Good News that was preached to you.
Just imagine if your mother-in-law did not have a personal relationship with Jesus. I can’t bare thinking about the eternal death of someone I know or dearly love that did not know Christ, because the Bible clearly reveals to humanity that God is perfectly Just and does not forgive a persons sin nature unless they have been washed clean by the atoning sacrifice of His Son Jesus Christ. God has provided no other way to be forgiven of sin. Praise God Your Mother-in-law is in the presence of Christ!!! I hope these three verses help and I’ll be praying that everyone will rejoice and celebrate all the grateness of your mother-in-laws life. Especially the one she is now experiencing in Christ's presence.
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Fresh Air and Clear Skies Awaits You!
Have you ever been stuck without air and felt that sensation of panic besetting you knowing that if air doesn't come NOW! certain death is right around the corner? It's a humbling experience and thought to realize that you would certainly flail uncontrollably and do whatever you would have to in order to get back to the surface to breathe oxygen. That's because the surface is where you know you can simply depend on your natural ability to process oxygen. Or have you ever been stuck in fog for a long period of time and didn't see clear skies or sunlight? That certain gloomy disposition creeps in on you and you just long for refreshment and clear skies. You cry, "If I could only get into the clear skies and fresh air I would be at peace and secure!" Most of us have experienced these slight panics and gloomy dispositions before and we don't desire to experience them just for the fun of it. My point in bringing this up is that we should all be very thankful that we are not like the frog who DOES NOT jump out of the water even when it has heated to the boiling point of death! Right now you and I are experiencing things today that are challenging us to the core just like water challenges our ability to breathe and fog challenges our ability to see clearly. And I have a hunch that all of us no matter our differences in belief systems, race, nationality, or gender, because we're human, are crying out inside, "If only I could hear something that would make everything make sense I would have peace!" Aren't we all crying out for PEACE AND SAFETY these days? And won't we continue to do so, with ever increasing passion, as the threats to our peace and safety rise up? Just give me peace! Just give me security! This is the hearts cry of men, women and children when things begin to threaten our values, our lifestyles, our families, our freedom and most of all who we are at the core. We're entering into an era where we ought to depend on our conscience, that is if it has not been eroded away already by the lack of yielding to and choosing to follow the truth when it is heard. Our conscience is our natural ability to discern between what is right and wrong and the frightening thing is that, just like the frog, your ability to sense danger or evil or deception, or wrong can be deadened to the point that you don't even realize you yourself are in harms way, are being deceived, wronged or lied to. Even to the point of death. But,there is only one message that can cut through the fog and suffocating elements of this life. This one message brings clear skies and fresh air! There is only one message that can rip through the deception, tear down the lies that we beleive and build our lives on, that may already have a hold of you. There is only one message that can bring you everlasting PEACE and eternal SAFETY. I hope that you will embrace the message and cling to it. You are not a creature that is senseless. You know the truth when you hear it, and I hope that you will jump out of the boiling pot when you see that the truth in this following message is the FRESH OXYGEN and CLEAR SKIES you have been looking for all your life. My friend, you were made to breathe fresh air and to see clear skies!
"Have you been feeling like there is a void in your heart? Have you ever asked the question, “Why did God create me?” or “Why do I exist?”
God created every man with a God-shaped void in his heart. All of us have tried to fill this void in many different ways: with money, prestige, possessions, power and even with people.However, none of these things will ever really satisfy us. The only thing that can totally fill this void is a relationship with God.
The Bible says:
“Yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live…” 1 Corinthians 8:6 We were created for Him. God created each and every one of us to have fellowship with Him. To have fellowship means to have a personal relationship. This relationship is only possible through Christ.
When God first created man, they enjoyed fellowship. But God did not create man as a robot to love and obey Him mechanically, but rather gave man a freedom to choose. Unfortunately, man chose to disobey God, which he continues to do to this day. When man sinned, this relationship with God was broken and as a result, he was separated from God.
The Bible says:
“But your iniquities have separated you from your God” Isaiah 59:2
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23 It was not God who fell away from man, but man that abandoned God. When man sinned, he turned his back on God, and in a sense said, “I no longer want to follow Your will, I would rather follow my own.” Many have tried throughout history in different ways to reach God through their own efforts, but every attempt has failed.
The Bible explains:
“There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.” Proverbs 14:12 But the Lord desired to have fellowship with man again, so He presented a solution…
God sent His only begotten Son to the world, who lived a sinless life and fulfilled the perfect standard set by God. When Jesus died on the cross, He paid the penalty for all our sins, that way all that believe in Him and accept what He did on our behalf, can be forgiven of their sins and receive eternal life.
The Bible says:
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8
“For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.” 1 Peter 3:18 The Bible tells us that Jesus is no ordinary person. He is more than just a good teacher or another religious leader, He is God, creator of the universe, who has come into the world as a man (John 1:1). By being fully God and man, Jesus is able to fulfill the ministry of bridging the gap between the two, dying for our sins as a man, and now acting as a mediator to bring God and man together.
“For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men- the testimony given in its proper time.” 1 Timothy 2:5, 6
If you would like to accept Jesus Christ into your life, and receive the forgiveness of God to have that void filled, follow these simple steps with a sincere heart:
1. Confess: This means to recognize that you are a sinner, that you’re separated from God, and that you need Him in your life.
2. Repent: Repentance is agreeing with God about what He calls sin in your life, and turning away from it. It means to leave behind the old life and to begin anew, making choices that you know will please the Lord.
3. Believe: This is trusting that Jesus Christ died, was buried, and on the third day He rose from the dead. In doing so He brings all who trust in Him eternal life.
4. Receive: Through prayer, ask Jesus to come into your life and send His Holy Spirit into your heart to teach and guide you. This is what it means to “receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior”.
5. Profess: Jesus said that if we acknowledge Him before men, He will acknowledge us before His Father in heaven (Matthew 10:32). In other words, if we are really serious about our commitment to Him, we will tell somebody about it. A pastor, a friend or a family member. Just think about how much Jesus has done for you already, this should be a real easy step.
If you would like to receive Jesus into your heart, and have all of your sins forgiven, say this simple prayer with a sincere heart:
Jesus, I know that I am a sinner and that I need your forgiveness. I believe that You died on the cross for my sins, and that you were raised on the third day bringing eternal life. Forgive me of my sins and fill this void in my heart with your love. I want You to be the Savior and Lord of my life. In the name of Jesus, Amen." by Pastor Mark Martin at Calvary Community Church.
Please call me if you want to make a decision for Christ. I will pray be glad to pray with you. 602-696-3210
Have you ever been stuck without air and felt that sensation of panic besetting you knowing that if air doesn't come NOW! certain death is right around the corner? It's a humbling experience and thought to realize that you would certainly flail uncontrollably and do whatever you would have to in order to get back to the surface to breathe oxygen. That's because the surface is where you know you can simply depend on your natural ability to process oxygen. Or have you ever been stuck in fog for a long period of time and didn't see clear skies or sunlight? That certain gloomy disposition creeps in on you and you just long for refreshment and clear skies. You cry, "If I could only get into the clear skies and fresh air I would be at peace and secure!" Most of us have experienced these slight panics and gloomy dispositions before and we don't desire to experience them just for the fun of it. My point in bringing this up is that we should all be very thankful that we are not like the frog who DOES NOT jump out of the water even when it has heated to the boiling point of death! Right now you and I are experiencing things today that are challenging us to the core just like water challenges our ability to breathe and fog challenges our ability to see clearly. And I have a hunch that all of us no matter our differences in belief systems, race, nationality, or gender, because we're human, are crying out inside, "If only I could hear something that would make everything make sense I would have peace!" Aren't we all crying out for PEACE AND SAFETY these days? And won't we continue to do so, with ever increasing passion, as the threats to our peace and safety rise up? Just give me peace! Just give me security! This is the hearts cry of men, women and children when things begin to threaten our values, our lifestyles, our families, our freedom and most of all who we are at the core. We're entering into an era where we ought to depend on our conscience, that is if it has not been eroded away already by the lack of yielding to and choosing to follow the truth when it is heard. Our conscience is our natural ability to discern between what is right and wrong and the frightening thing is that, just like the frog, your ability to sense danger or evil or deception, or wrong can be deadened to the point that you don't even realize you yourself are in harms way, are being deceived, wronged or lied to. Even to the point of death. But,there is only one message that can cut through the fog and suffocating elements of this life. This one message brings clear skies and fresh air! There is only one message that can rip through the deception, tear down the lies that we beleive and build our lives on, that may already have a hold of you. There is only one message that can bring you everlasting PEACE and eternal SAFETY. I hope that you will embrace the message and cling to it. You are not a creature that is senseless. You know the truth when you hear it, and I hope that you will jump out of the boiling pot when you see that the truth in this following message is the FRESH OXYGEN and CLEAR SKIES you have been looking for all your life. My friend, you were made to breathe fresh air and to see clear skies!
"Have you been feeling like there is a void in your heart? Have you ever asked the question, “Why did God create me?” or “Why do I exist?”
God created every man with a God-shaped void in his heart. All of us have tried to fill this void in many different ways: with money, prestige, possessions, power and even with people.However, none of these things will ever really satisfy us. The only thing that can totally fill this void is a relationship with God.
The Bible says:
“Yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live…” 1 Corinthians 8:6 We were created for Him. God created each and every one of us to have fellowship with Him. To have fellowship means to have a personal relationship. This relationship is only possible through Christ.
When God first created man, they enjoyed fellowship. But God did not create man as a robot to love and obey Him mechanically, but rather gave man a freedom to choose. Unfortunately, man chose to disobey God, which he continues to do to this day. When man sinned, this relationship with God was broken and as a result, he was separated from God.
The Bible says:
“But your iniquities have separated you from your God” Isaiah 59:2
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23 It was not God who fell away from man, but man that abandoned God. When man sinned, he turned his back on God, and in a sense said, “I no longer want to follow Your will, I would rather follow my own.” Many have tried throughout history in different ways to reach God through their own efforts, but every attempt has failed.
The Bible explains:
“There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.” Proverbs 14:12 But the Lord desired to have fellowship with man again, so He presented a solution…
God sent His only begotten Son to the world, who lived a sinless life and fulfilled the perfect standard set by God. When Jesus died on the cross, He paid the penalty for all our sins, that way all that believe in Him and accept what He did on our behalf, can be forgiven of their sins and receive eternal life.
The Bible says:
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8
“For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.” 1 Peter 3:18 The Bible tells us that Jesus is no ordinary person. He is more than just a good teacher or another religious leader, He is God, creator of the universe, who has come into the world as a man (John 1:1). By being fully God and man, Jesus is able to fulfill the ministry of bridging the gap between the two, dying for our sins as a man, and now acting as a mediator to bring God and man together.
“For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men- the testimony given in its proper time.” 1 Timothy 2:5, 6
If you would like to accept Jesus Christ into your life, and receive the forgiveness of God to have that void filled, follow these simple steps with a sincere heart:
1. Confess: This means to recognize that you are a sinner, that you’re separated from God, and that you need Him in your life.
2. Repent: Repentance is agreeing with God about what He calls sin in your life, and turning away from it. It means to leave behind the old life and to begin anew, making choices that you know will please the Lord.
3. Believe: This is trusting that Jesus Christ died, was buried, and on the third day He rose from the dead. In doing so He brings all who trust in Him eternal life.
4. Receive: Through prayer, ask Jesus to come into your life and send His Holy Spirit into your heart to teach and guide you. This is what it means to “receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior”.
5. Profess: Jesus said that if we acknowledge Him before men, He will acknowledge us before His Father in heaven (Matthew 10:32). In other words, if we are really serious about our commitment to Him, we will tell somebody about it. A pastor, a friend or a family member. Just think about how much Jesus has done for you already, this should be a real easy step.
If you would like to receive Jesus into your heart, and have all of your sins forgiven, say this simple prayer with a sincere heart:
Jesus, I know that I am a sinner and that I need your forgiveness. I believe that You died on the cross for my sins, and that you were raised on the third day bringing eternal life. Forgive me of my sins and fill this void in my heart with your love. I want You to be the Savior and Lord of my life. In the name of Jesus, Amen." by Pastor Mark Martin at Calvary Community Church.
Please call me if you want to make a decision for Christ. I will pray be glad to pray with you. 602-696-3210
Thursday, September 25, 2008
IF MILLIONS of PEOPLE SUDDENLY DISAPPEAR...please watch these.
http://harvestreno.org/messageVideo.asp?id=124&quality=high
http://harvestreno.org/messageVideo.asp?id=124&quality=high
RUN TO THE BATTLE! & NO SWEETER NAME!!
Dear Fellow Disciples of Jesus Christ,
The links below have been making me think about a lot of things. Please watch them. With all the coming changes we’re being given new opportunity to remain loyal to our Savior Jesus Christ, and I’ve been thinking a lot about the mindset and heart a disciple of Jesus Christ must have to really be considered one. The men portrayed in this video are warriors and I’m moved in the right direction when I remember that people really fought for what’s right in these types of battles. What courage and surrender! When their cultures changed and threats against freedom reared up they were willing to die in the fight for righteousness on the frontline. In my personal relationship with God I have asked Him to help me be focused on the right battle because there are so many to choose from. As Christians, there is really only one battle worth fighting for and worth giving up our time and our whole lives for? If we are going to call ourselves Christians then we need to accept that In God’s eyes there is only one battle that is right and we must begin or continue being focused on that one battle. Have we learned what that battle is? We must have a fresh realization that God see us only through his Son Jesus Christ and that is what we must understand. It is the empowerment we need. God does not see you alone. He sees you through his perfect Son Jesus. Get a hold of that truth and you are empowered! God the Father desires that we are a part of the offensive team rather then the defensive team of advancing his Kingdom. We are all too often on the defensive team which is not advancing the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Advancing God’s Kingdom by sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the only right battle for disciples of Jesus, because it is the will of God that people believe in his son Jesus Christ above all else and right now time is of essence. He has provided no other way to spend eternity with him except through Jesus. Jesus is already the KING of KINGS and LORD of LORDS and He rules over ALL. Jesus Christ rules a Kingdom of the kind that this world does not understand. It is the only Kingdom that has a single party rule that is worth being under. We are already under the LORD JESUS CHRISTS complete authority. Naturally, we belong to what has become a very confused republic called the United States of America and it is spinning out of control and out of influence. Supernaturally, which is reality, we are already part of GODS KINGDOM.
How do a small number of people within a confused republic, but who are already GODS KINGDOM members, who know the WAY to live, the TRUTH to abide in, and the LIFE to share make a lasting difference? They do two things. First, they Run to the Battle by beginning on their knees in prayer, and reading Gods word and they live carrying their cross daily so that the Holy Spirit of God reigns in their life and makes real warriors out of them. These are the ones who become BOND SERVANTS OF CHRIST. Second, they realize that fighting for the sake of Righteousness, which is the only true Holy War, is accomplished only by LOVINGLY SHARING THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST DAILY. A Christian needs to share their faith with at least one person or more a day. If you are doing the first thing you will be successful in the second because God is in control of your life! Are you willing to prepare yourself for this worthy battle of being on the offensive team for Jesus Christ? The gates of hell are already against you, your flesh is already against you, this world is already against you and you will suffer persecution if you commit to being a BOND SERVANT to CHRIST! But a reward awaits you when you enter this battle which in all honesty is not an option in the Christian life.
I’m focusing my life and encouraging my brothers and sisters in Christ so that we really reflect who we are in Christ right now, and this video makes me wonder –
What else do men and women, who already belong to the Kingdom of God, have to go through to be inspired to run to the right battle if it is not already the name of Jesus Christ?
What other purpose do disciples of the LORD of LORDS have that is greater? There is none. Will you run to the battle with warrior courage, loyalty and a willingness to fight to the death for lost souls for the sake of Christ who already saved you in the same way? If we are not we need to forfeit our Christian names. If we are Christians we must run into this battle, because it is the very thing that defines a Christ follower. Christ Followers are BOND SERVANTS to Him, and BOND SERVANTS Run to the Battle. No other name has the power to motivate you to fight the right battle other then Jesus, and there is no other reason to live on this side of eternity other than to fight the right battle so that others can have the opportunity to choose KING JESUS through your witness.
Dear Disciple of Jesus, perhaps we will not have another full week to share the good news about Christ. It is Yom Teruah Sept 29th! Get on your knees and ask God to change you today and entrust your whole life to Jesus Christ. Trust Jesus with everything you have and run into the battle today. The words of this song and the images are powerful and inspiring. May the Lord take us through what we need to go through so that we become true warriors in His eyes and for His Kingdom.
LET’S RUN TO THE BATTLE! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jL7cL_p5_84
NO SWEETER NAME: http://www.ukristo.com/movie.php?m=j8lax0k90NSJ1g20EpWLtN5JX
Your fellow soldier in training!
Maranatha Come Lord Jesus Come!
In simplicity and faith, wherever Jesus may lead me, He will go before me, and if I do not know where I go, I know with whom I go. With such a companion will I dread the danger of the journey?
Dear Fellow Disciples of Jesus Christ,
The links below have been making me think about a lot of things. Please watch them. With all the coming changes we’re being given new opportunity to remain loyal to our Savior Jesus Christ, and I’ve been thinking a lot about the mindset and heart a disciple of Jesus Christ must have to really be considered one. The men portrayed in this video are warriors and I’m moved in the right direction when I remember that people really fought for what’s right in these types of battles. What courage and surrender! When their cultures changed and threats against freedom reared up they were willing to die in the fight for righteousness on the frontline. In my personal relationship with God I have asked Him to help me be focused on the right battle because there are so many to choose from. As Christians, there is really only one battle worth fighting for and worth giving up our time and our whole lives for? If we are going to call ourselves Christians then we need to accept that In God’s eyes there is only one battle that is right and we must begin or continue being focused on that one battle. Have we learned what that battle is? We must have a fresh realization that God see us only through his Son Jesus Christ and that is what we must understand. It is the empowerment we need. God does not see you alone. He sees you through his perfect Son Jesus. Get a hold of that truth and you are empowered! God the Father desires that we are a part of the offensive team rather then the defensive team of advancing his Kingdom. We are all too often on the defensive team which is not advancing the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Advancing God’s Kingdom by sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the only right battle for disciples of Jesus, because it is the will of God that people believe in his son Jesus Christ above all else and right now time is of essence. He has provided no other way to spend eternity with him except through Jesus. Jesus is already the KING of KINGS and LORD of LORDS and He rules over ALL. Jesus Christ rules a Kingdom of the kind that this world does not understand. It is the only Kingdom that has a single party rule that is worth being under. We are already under the LORD JESUS CHRISTS complete authority. Naturally, we belong to what has become a very confused republic called the United States of America and it is spinning out of control and out of influence. Supernaturally, which is reality, we are already part of GODS KINGDOM.
How do a small number of people within a confused republic, but who are already GODS KINGDOM members, who know the WAY to live, the TRUTH to abide in, and the LIFE to share make a lasting difference? They do two things. First, they Run to the Battle by beginning on their knees in prayer, and reading Gods word and they live carrying their cross daily so that the Holy Spirit of God reigns in their life and makes real warriors out of them. These are the ones who become BOND SERVANTS OF CHRIST. Second, they realize that fighting for the sake of Righteousness, which is the only true Holy War, is accomplished only by LOVINGLY SHARING THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST DAILY. A Christian needs to share their faith with at least one person or more a day. If you are doing the first thing you will be successful in the second because God is in control of your life! Are you willing to prepare yourself for this worthy battle of being on the offensive team for Jesus Christ? The gates of hell are already against you, your flesh is already against you, this world is already against you and you will suffer persecution if you commit to being a BOND SERVANT to CHRIST! But a reward awaits you when you enter this battle which in all honesty is not an option in the Christian life.
I’m focusing my life and encouraging my brothers and sisters in Christ so that we really reflect who we are in Christ right now, and this video makes me wonder –
What else do men and women, who already belong to the Kingdom of God, have to go through to be inspired to run to the right battle if it is not already the name of Jesus Christ?
What other purpose do disciples of the LORD of LORDS have that is greater? There is none. Will you run to the battle with warrior courage, loyalty and a willingness to fight to the death for lost souls for the sake of Christ who already saved you in the same way? If we are not we need to forfeit our Christian names. If we are Christians we must run into this battle, because it is the very thing that defines a Christ follower. Christ Followers are BOND SERVANTS to Him, and BOND SERVANTS Run to the Battle. No other name has the power to motivate you to fight the right battle other then Jesus, and there is no other reason to live on this side of eternity other than to fight the right battle so that others can have the opportunity to choose KING JESUS through your witness.
Dear Disciple of Jesus, perhaps we will not have another full week to share the good news about Christ. It is Yom Teruah Sept 29th! Get on your knees and ask God to change you today and entrust your whole life to Jesus Christ. Trust Jesus with everything you have and run into the battle today. The words of this song and the images are powerful and inspiring. May the Lord take us through what we need to go through so that we become true warriors in His eyes and for His Kingdom.
LET’S RUN TO THE BATTLE! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jL7cL_p5_84
NO SWEETER NAME: http://www.ukristo.com/movie.php?m=j8lax0k90NSJ1g20EpWLtN5JX
Your fellow soldier in training!
Maranatha Come Lord Jesus Come!
In simplicity and faith, wherever Jesus may lead me, He will go before me, and if I do not know where I go, I know with whom I go. With such a companion will I dread the danger of the journey?
Monday, September 15, 2008
Part I: John 21
This is my favorite chapter of the Bible. I have a lot of favorite scripture but this one expresses where my heart is at most of the time if not all of the time. If I could place myself in any moment of Jesus' life it would be in these moments of time with him, because to me it's extremely attractive and magnificent to be in a natural environment together with my family & friends experiencing God by learning from him, watching him, sharing with him, and drawing close to him. These moments on the water and in this little beach cove, so early in the morning, with a vibrant fire, splashing fish, cold shivers, tasty breakfast, and the most raw heart to heart conversations with piercingly loving stares from the Savior of souls, God, are cutting edge life. Revealed are some of the most refreshing, challenging, healing, maturing, teachable, revolutionary, and real moments a person can ever experience. It's when I need to be revived, want to draw near to Jesus, need to readjust my priorities, or am stressed, discouraged, and needing encouragement that I think about the lessons of this passage of the Bible:
Later, Jesus appeared again to the disciples beside the Sea of Galilee. This is how it happened. Several of the disciples were there—Simon Peter, Thomas (nicknamed the Twin), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples. Simon Peter said, “I’m going fishing.” “We’ll come, too,” they all said. So they went out in the boat, but they caught nothing all night. At dawn Jesus was standing on the beach, but the disciples couldn’t see who he was. He called out, “Fellows, have you caught any fish?” “No,” they replied. Then he said, “Throw out your net on the right-hand side of the boat, and you’ll get some!” So they did, and they couldn’t haul in the net because there were so many fish in it. Then the disciple Jesus loved said to Peter, “It’s the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his tunic (for he had stripped for work), jumped into the water, and headed to shore. The others stayed with the boat and pulled the loaded net to the shore, for they were only about a hundred yards from shore. When they got there, they found breakfast waiting for them—fish cooking over a charcoal fire, and some bread. “Bring some of the fish you’ve just caught,” Jesus said. So Simon Peter went aboard and dragged the net to the shore. There were 153 large fish, and yet the net hadn’t torn. “Now come and have some breakfast!” Jesus said. None of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. Then Jesus served them the bread and the fish. This was the third time Jesus had appeared to his disciples since he had been raised from the dead. After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.” “Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him. Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.” “Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said. A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep. “I tell you the truth, when you were young, you were able to do as you liked; you dressed yourself and went wherever you wanted to go. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will dress you and take you where you don’t want to go.” Jesus said this to let him know by what kind of death he would glorify God. Then Jesus told him, “Follow me.” Peter turned around and saw behind them the disciple Jesus loved—the one who had leaned over to Jesus during supper and asked, “Lord, who will betray you?” Peter asked Jesus, “What about him, Lord?” Jesus replied, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? As for you, follow me.” So the rumor spread among the community of believers that this disciple wouldn’t die. But that isn’t what Jesus said at all. He only said, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?” This disciple is the one who testifies to these events and has recorded them here. And we know that his account of these things is accurate. Jesus also did many other things. If they were all written down, I suppose the whole world could not contain the books that would be written.
The greatest part about this window of time to me is that it all occurred AFTER Jesus was crucified and AFTER he came back to life from being dead! These are the life experiences that produce new and cultivate stronger faith:
This is my favorite chapter of the Bible. I have a lot of favorite scripture but this one expresses where my heart is at most of the time if not all of the time. If I could place myself in any moment of Jesus' life it would be in these moments of time with him, because to me it's extremely attractive and magnificent to be in a natural environment together with my family & friends experiencing God by learning from him, watching him, sharing with him, and drawing close to him. These moments on the water and in this little beach cove, so early in the morning, with a vibrant fire, splashing fish, cold shivers, tasty breakfast, and the most raw heart to heart conversations with piercingly loving stares from the Savior of souls, God, are cutting edge life. Revealed are some of the most refreshing, challenging, healing, maturing, teachable, revolutionary, and real moments a person can ever experience. It's when I need to be revived, want to draw near to Jesus, need to readjust my priorities, or am stressed, discouraged, and needing encouragement that I think about the lessons of this passage of the Bible:
Later, Jesus appeared again to the disciples beside the Sea of Galilee. This is how it happened. Several of the disciples were there—Simon Peter, Thomas (nicknamed the Twin), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples. Simon Peter said, “I’m going fishing.” “We’ll come, too,” they all said. So they went out in the boat, but they caught nothing all night. At dawn Jesus was standing on the beach, but the disciples couldn’t see who he was. He called out, “Fellows, have you caught any fish?” “No,” they replied. Then he said, “Throw out your net on the right-hand side of the boat, and you’ll get some!” So they did, and they couldn’t haul in the net because there were so many fish in it. Then the disciple Jesus loved said to Peter, “It’s the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his tunic (for he had stripped for work), jumped into the water, and headed to shore. The others stayed with the boat and pulled the loaded net to the shore, for they were only about a hundred yards from shore. When they got there, they found breakfast waiting for them—fish cooking over a charcoal fire, and some bread. “Bring some of the fish you’ve just caught,” Jesus said. So Simon Peter went aboard and dragged the net to the shore. There were 153 large fish, and yet the net hadn’t torn. “Now come and have some breakfast!” Jesus said. None of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. Then Jesus served them the bread and the fish. This was the third time Jesus had appeared to his disciples since he had been raised from the dead. After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.” “Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him. Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.” “Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said. A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep. “I tell you the truth, when you were young, you were able to do as you liked; you dressed yourself and went wherever you wanted to go. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will dress you and take you where you don’t want to go.” Jesus said this to let him know by what kind of death he would glorify God. Then Jesus told him, “Follow me.” Peter turned around and saw behind them the disciple Jesus loved—the one who had leaned over to Jesus during supper and asked, “Lord, who will betray you?” Peter asked Jesus, “What about him, Lord?” Jesus replied, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? As for you, follow me.” So the rumor spread among the community of believers that this disciple wouldn’t die. But that isn’t what Jesus said at all. He only said, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?” This disciple is the one who testifies to these events and has recorded them here. And we know that his account of these things is accurate. Jesus also did many other things. If they were all written down, I suppose the whole world could not contain the books that would be written.
The greatest part about this window of time to me is that it all occurred AFTER Jesus was crucified and AFTER he came back to life from being dead! These are the life experiences that produce new and cultivate stronger faith:
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Battling Unbelief
I'm reading John Piper's book called Battling Unbelief and it is full of deep encouragement and answers questions dealing with the unseen wars that can only be won by placing hope and trust in God's future promises. It's speaking about the truth in the Bible that I know I need in order to make it through these days. Deeper encouragement, deeper fellowship, and deeper understanding about the heart beat of God is what I really need and desire so I can succeed in life, and in my relationships. I am never satisfied when I am not going deeper into this personal and loving God who gave his all for me and proved his love for me. I want to succeed in God's eyes not my own or other's. Because there is no doubt in my mind that the Lord is returning to this earth very soon this is all the more important to me. Life is hard just 'doing' what has to be done to make it all work, and I keep hearing the Spirit of the Lord saying to me "finish strong Hank and don't give up (2 Timothy 4: 1-8), and fight the good fight of faith." 1 Timothy 6:12 says, "Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have confessed so well before many witnesses." I've known for some time what the one purpose of living is really about, and pursuing that purpose is always a challenging one. The purpose of living is to invest in people so that their very soul takes steps of faith that get them closer to their Creator who is the God of the Bible. Ultimately, life is not about anything else on this side of eternity because the inevitable dividends of investing in people in this way have the most return. When all is said and done, meaning, when all the actions, intentions, and thoughts of people are judged on that intense day people are going to receive a final verdict from perfect Justice that will either place them in Hell and seperated from God forever because their sins have not been washed away or with Him in Paradise for eternity because their guilt has been washed away. People's final destination will depend on if they put their full trust in God's Son Jesus Christ and had a personal relationship with him. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, so that whoever believes in him will not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16 Life is about working to encourage others, whether they believe or not, into understanding the truth about Jesus Christ so that they can make that final decision of trusting him for themselves. The unseen wars that prevent investment are pride, covetousness, impatience, dispondency, lust, and so much more and these can only be won over by putting faith in God's Word into action Deep wars require deep fellowship, encouragement and intentional living so that the best investment of life can be achieved.
I'm reading John Piper's book called Battling Unbelief and it is full of deep encouragement and answers questions dealing with the unseen wars that can only be won by placing hope and trust in God's future promises. It's speaking about the truth in the Bible that I know I need in order to make it through these days. Deeper encouragement, deeper fellowship, and deeper understanding about the heart beat of God is what I really need and desire so I can succeed in life, and in my relationships. I am never satisfied when I am not going deeper into this personal and loving God who gave his all for me and proved his love for me. I want to succeed in God's eyes not my own or other's. Because there is no doubt in my mind that the Lord is returning to this earth very soon this is all the more important to me. Life is hard just 'doing' what has to be done to make it all work, and I keep hearing the Spirit of the Lord saying to me "finish strong Hank and don't give up (2 Timothy 4: 1-8), and fight the good fight of faith." 1 Timothy 6:12 says, "Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have confessed so well before many witnesses." I've known for some time what the one purpose of living is really about, and pursuing that purpose is always a challenging one. The purpose of living is to invest in people so that their very soul takes steps of faith that get them closer to their Creator who is the God of the Bible. Ultimately, life is not about anything else on this side of eternity because the inevitable dividends of investing in people in this way have the most return. When all is said and done, meaning, when all the actions, intentions, and thoughts of people are judged on that intense day people are going to receive a final verdict from perfect Justice that will either place them in Hell and seperated from God forever because their sins have not been washed away or with Him in Paradise for eternity because their guilt has been washed away. People's final destination will depend on if they put their full trust in God's Son Jesus Christ and had a personal relationship with him. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, so that whoever believes in him will not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16 Life is about working to encourage others, whether they believe or not, into understanding the truth about Jesus Christ so that they can make that final decision of trusting him for themselves. The unseen wars that prevent investment are pride, covetousness, impatience, dispondency, lust, and so much more and these can only be won over by putting faith in God's Word into action Deep wars require deep fellowship, encouragement and intentional living so that the best investment of life can be achieved.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
This has been an excellent series of writings by Nancy Missler. I wanted to post this one imparticular since it brings an understanding about how a Christian is to live in the Spirit of God.
Reflections of His Image: How to Worship in the Spirit
by Nancy Missler
Over the last several months, we have been exploring the war that is continually fought between God’s Spirit in our hearts and the sin and self that reside in our soul and body (the “flesh”).
We shared that the key to winning this war is learning how to make faith choices to “put off” the flesh and “put on” Christ. As we do this on a daily basis, we’ll be able to enter God’s presence and worship Him.
Worshiping the Lord is always contingent upon our cleansing. Listen to Psalm 24:3-4, “Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord [to worship Him]? Or who shall stand in His holy place? He who hath clean hands, and a pure heart, who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.”
The Lord is saying that if our heart is cleansed and God’s Spirit able to come forth, then we’ll be able to enter His presence and commune with Him.
If our heart is covered with grease (as Psalm 119:70 describes) and God’s Spirit quenched by sin or self, then our worship will be an empty religious act, not changing us at all nor impressing anyone else, least of all the Lord.
In his recent Pulpit Series newsletter, Pastor David Wilkerson said:
“...a Christian can pray diligently without ever really worshipping. Indeed, it’s possible to be a prayer warrior and inter-cessor and still not be a worshipper of God. You can plead for your unsaved children, pray for the needs of an entire church, be holy and meek in seeking God’s burden—and yet never truly worship Him!
“...in short, worship cannot be learned! It’s a spontaneous outbreak—the act of a heart that’s been overwhelmed by a revelation of God’s glory and His incredible Love for us.”
Definition of Worship
The Greek word for “worship” in the New Testament is proskuneo (which actually means “to kiss”). It’s the same word used for a dog licking his master’s feet. Worship means to prostrate oneself in homage, to bow down the self and to exalt God. It’s the submission of our entire being to God. Worship is the union of our spirits with God’s Spirit in the Holy Place of our hearts. (Romans 8:26)
Worship means to ascribe “worth” to a being or object. In other words, whatever we value or place the highest worth on, is what we worship. Interestingly enough, the attributes of the “worldly” gods we worship seem to eventually manifest their characteristics in us. Rather than Christ’s image being carved into the walls of our soul, these ungodly characteristics become inscribed there. Psalm 135:18 tells us that we become like what we worship.
The Greek word for “worship” in the New Testament is proskuneo (which actually means “to kiss”). It’s the same word used for a dog licking his master’s feet. Worship means to prostrate oneself in homage, to bow down the self and to exalt God. It’s the submission of our entire being to God. Worship is the union of our spirits with God’s Spirit in the Holy Place of our hearts. (Romans 8:26)
Worship means to ascribe “worth” to a being or object. In other words, whatever we value or place the highest worth on, is what we worship. Interestingly enough, the attributes of the “worldly” gods we worship seem to eventually manifest their characteristics in us. Rather than Christ’s image being carved into the walls of our soul, these ungodly characteristics become inscribed there. Psalm 135:18 tells us that we become like what we worship.
A great example of this is the country of Egypt. Egypt used to worship the scarab beetle, which is actually a dung beetle found in manure piles. If you visit Egypt today, you’ll notice that the Nile river bed is covered with dung and fecal material, as the cattle, animals and even children relieve themselves there. The countryside is filthy. Trash is everywhere. Egypt is also a country that is preoccupied with death (mummies, etc.). The whole country has become like what it has worshiped—the dung beetle. It’s a culture of death and decay and refuse.
We do become like what we worship! Our values, our priorities and how we live our lives revolve around what we commit our-selves to. The bottom line is that the object of our worship be-comes the guiding force in our lives.
If we want to become more Christ-like and begin to glorify Him more, we must learn to worship Him more. The changes in our inner being only occur when we are in the presence of the Lord. The Lord says in Exodus 25:22, “And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat.” And He promises to, “Show [us] the path of life: [for only] in Thy presence is fulness of joy; [and] at Thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” (Psalm 16:11)
This last verse is saying that only in His presence can He fill us with unspeakable joy and the strength to withstand any circumstance. (Nehemiah 8:10d) And as a result, we’ll be able to share His glory to an even greater degree.
Why Worship Is Important
Worship, then, is important because it releases blessings in two directions: we come into the Lord’s presence by loving and adoring Him; He, then, makes Himself known by communicating His Love back to us through revelation and insight and joy. Worship, in other words, is a two-way communication. We worship the Lord; He then meets with us and changes us.
On a recent trip to Israel, we visited the Temple Institute in Jerusalem where the guide made an interesting statement. She said, “The priests worshiped the Lord in the Holy Place, specifically at the Incense Altar. It was here that they felt the connection was made between man and the Lord.” I was so excited to hear this because so many of my books surmised this, but I had never actually heard it stated that way until this particular trip.
Worship is a two-way connection that occurs at the altar of our hearts. It consists of not only receiving God’s Love (and being changed), but also of loving Him. Communion and worship are all about mutual affection—both giving and receiving. He ex-tends His Love to us and we reciprocate by loving Him with all our heart, mind and soul. Worship strips away “self” and allows God to continue to conform us more into His image.
The key to worship, however, is that it can only be done “in the spirit,” not in the flesh. Just as Pastor Wilkerson said, we can spend hours a day in prayer telling the Lord how much we love Him, but if we are unsanctified, then we really haven’t worshiped at all!
It’s only by the Spirit that we can apprehend God and it’s only by the Spirit that we can honor, adore and glorify Him. God’s Spirit is the only One who can re-create us in the likeness of Christ. John 4:24 tells us that since God is a Spirit, those that worship Him must worship Him “in spirit and in truth.” (Truth, here, simply means in sincerity and honesty.) (Romans 1:9)
So, learning how to worship the Lord in spirit is critical. (1 Chronicles 16:29; Psalm 29:2; 95:6-9; Matthew 4:10; John 4:24; Philippians 3:3)
It’s not a once a week function, but should dominate our lives seven days a week. Sunday worship is meaningless, unless it has been preceded by six days of cleansing, loving and communing with the Lord.
“Give the Lord the glory due unto His Name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.” (Psalm 29:2)
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
It's Already Been Taken Care Of!!
I was RED now I'm WHITE
I don’t know about you but this is still hard for me to believe sometimes. I know it is true and yet there is always that BUT….”But God I have sinned too many times in the face of your Glory”, “BUT Lord I haven’t learned after all these years to be a loving and gentle man even when I know you and fellowship with you” “BUT, I have failed with so much that you have entrusted to me.” BUT, BUT, BUT
I have to receive this by faith and be reminded of it constantly. Maybe you need this word today too. Maybe you have your “BUT Lords” I don’t know. I just encourage you with these following words because they are true. Praise the Lord they are True! In the same Spirit that Paul spoke in I know many of us can and will say of ourselves, “I AM THE CHIEF OF SINNERS!” "This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am Chief .“—I Tim. 1:15.
Have a refreshing day knowing that Jesus has taken care of all your many sins past, present and future. What HOPE and PEACE we have when we put our faith in Jesus and his Word!!!!
Love you and God Bless.
THERE HE BROKE THE FLASHING ARROWS, THE SHIELD, THE SWORD, AND THE WEAPONS OF WAR.
Psalm 76:3 Our Redeemer's glorious cry of "It is finished" was the death-knell of all the adversaries of His people, the breaking of "the weapons of war." Behold the hero of Golgotha using His cross as an anvil, and His wounds as a hammer, dashing to pieces bundle after bundle of our sins, those poisoned "flashing arrows," trampling on every indictment and destroying every accusation. What glorious blows the mighty Breaker gives with a hammer far more powerful than the fabled weapon of Thor! How the diabolical darts break in pieces, and the infernal swords are broken like old clay pots! Consider how He draws from its sheath of hellish workmanship the dreadful sword of satanic power! He snaps it across His knee as a man breaks dry sticks and throws it into the fire. Beloved, no sin of a believer can now be an arrow bringing death, no condemnation can now be a sword to kill him, for the punishment of our sin was borne by Christ, and a full atonement was made for all our iniquities by our blessed Substitute and Surety. Who now accuses? Who now condemns? Christ has died, yes, has risen again. Jesus has removed the weapons of hell, has quenched every fiery dart, and has broken the head off every arrow of wrath; the ground is covered with the splinters and relics of the weapons of hell's warfare, which are only visible to us to remind us of our former danger and of our great deliverance. Sin no longer has dominion over us. Jesus has made an end of it and put it away forever. Our enemy's destructions have come to a perpetual end. Declare all the wonderful works of the Lord, all you who make mention of His name; do not be silent, neither by day, nor when the sun goes down. Bless the Lord, O my soul. -- Devotional from Truth for Life Ministries
I was RED now I'm WHITE
I don’t know about you but this is still hard for me to believe sometimes. I know it is true and yet there is always that BUT….”But God I have sinned too many times in the face of your Glory”, “BUT Lord I haven’t learned after all these years to be a loving and gentle man even when I know you and fellowship with you” “BUT, I have failed with so much that you have entrusted to me.” BUT, BUT, BUT
I have to receive this by faith and be reminded of it constantly. Maybe you need this word today too. Maybe you have your “BUT Lords” I don’t know. I just encourage you with these following words because they are true. Praise the Lord they are True! In the same Spirit that Paul spoke in I know many of us can and will say of ourselves, “I AM THE CHIEF OF SINNERS!” "This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am Chief .“—I Tim. 1:15.
Have a refreshing day knowing that Jesus has taken care of all your many sins past, present and future. What HOPE and PEACE we have when we put our faith in Jesus and his Word!!!!
Love you and God Bless.
THERE HE BROKE THE FLASHING ARROWS, THE SHIELD, THE SWORD, AND THE WEAPONS OF WAR.
Psalm 76:3 Our Redeemer's glorious cry of "It is finished" was the death-knell of all the adversaries of His people, the breaking of "the weapons of war." Behold the hero of Golgotha using His cross as an anvil, and His wounds as a hammer, dashing to pieces bundle after bundle of our sins, those poisoned "flashing arrows," trampling on every indictment and destroying every accusation. What glorious blows the mighty Breaker gives with a hammer far more powerful than the fabled weapon of Thor! How the diabolical darts break in pieces, and the infernal swords are broken like old clay pots! Consider how He draws from its sheath of hellish workmanship the dreadful sword of satanic power! He snaps it across His knee as a man breaks dry sticks and throws it into the fire. Beloved, no sin of a believer can now be an arrow bringing death, no condemnation can now be a sword to kill him, for the punishment of our sin was borne by Christ, and a full atonement was made for all our iniquities by our blessed Substitute and Surety. Who now accuses? Who now condemns? Christ has died, yes, has risen again. Jesus has removed the weapons of hell, has quenched every fiery dart, and has broken the head off every arrow of wrath; the ground is covered with the splinters and relics of the weapons of hell's warfare, which are only visible to us to remind us of our former danger and of our great deliverance. Sin no longer has dominion over us. Jesus has made an end of it and put it away forever. Our enemy's destructions have come to a perpetual end. Declare all the wonderful works of the Lord, all you who make mention of His name; do not be silent, neither by day, nor when the sun goes down. Bless the Lord, O my soul. -- Devotional from Truth for Life Ministries
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
It is a big responsibility to encourage one another in these changing times and not to be silent. It’s on my heart to encourage you in 3 important areas:
ALL OF THESE THINGS ARE DEPENDANT UPON GOD’S WORD
WE EACH HAVE AN OBLIGATION TO PRAY & FAST ACCORDING TO HIS WORD.
1. The first encouragement is continue in your faith with Jesus Christ and, above all else, work hard to stay close to him in your hearts. Everything that matters, namely our souls and salvation depend upon Jesus alone and He will provide and protect you in changing times. In Jesus we have peace in all circumstances and we do not fear. The immoral climate of our country, the worldly ideas that constantly barrage through the airwaves, the tolerance of sin, the intolerance of biblical truth, and so much more all contribute in making our hearts and minds susceptible to a weakening of our faith in Jesus Christ IF we do not remain in the WORD of GOD. So stay close to Jesus by staying in the Word of God and begin practicing your prayer life. Talk to the Lord again and repent of your sin and humble yourself before Him. This will be a sure recipe for getting healthy again.
2. The second encouragement is to stand strong with Israel in faith according to scripture no matter the pressures or persecutions that will come along with that. For the Christian standing with Israel is like standing for your brother and not only that there is a blessing for those who will support and love the Jewish people.
3. The third encouragement is to continue or to begin praying with fasting for America in earnestness. This is the one thing we must do in order to make a real and lasting change for this country. Our commitment to prayer to God will eventually change us and this country will change when we change.
REGARDING AMERICA
HOW TO PRAY FOR OUR COUNTRY AMERICA? By Adrian Rogers
Please take the time to listen to this message. I pray you will not pass this by. It is very important.
4 That is where the tribes go up,
5 There the thrones for judgment stand,
6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:
7 May there be peace within your walls
8 For the sake of my brothers and friends,
9 For the sake of the house of the LORD our God,
"This article assumes the reader has some familiarity with Romans 9-11, the most concise teaching on Israel's relationship to the Church. Among other pivotal truths, Romans 9-11 clarifies that God's Covenant calling on Israel is irrevocable; the Church has not replaced the Jewish Nation in His heart or prophetic plans."
WHY STAND WITH ISRAEL: http://www.jewishvoice.org/site/DocServer/Why_Stand_With_Israel_S.pdf?docID=1227
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HERE ARE SOME ADDITIONAL & EXCELLENT ARTICLES THAT WILL NOT BE A WASTE OF YOUR TIME!!!!!!!
TO WHOM WAS ISRAEL PROMISED: http://www.jewishvoice.org/site/DocServer/To_Whom_Was_Israel_Promised.pdf?docID=1225
HOW TO PRAY FOR ISRAEL: http://www.jewishvoice.org/site/DocServer/How_to_Pray_for_Israel.pdf?docID=1223
WHY NOT DIVIDE ISRAEL: http://www.jewishvoice.org/site/DocServer/Why_Not_Divide_Israel.pdf?docID=1226
JERUSALEM IN PROPHECY: http://www.jewishvoice.org/site/DocServer/Jerusalem_in_Prophecy.pdf?docID=1224
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The move was an attempt to score points with many in the Jewish and evangelical communities who, given Obama's past political relationships with terrorist sympathizers, racists, and other undesirables, have been wary of how, as president, he would treat the Jewish State.
The rousing applause from the audience, including some of the most powerful politicians in America, was immediate.
Almost as immediate, though, was Hamas' condemnation. Leaders of the terrorist group had previously endorsed Obama as their choice for America's Commander in Chief.
Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas said he "totally rejected" Obama's Jerusalem pronouncement.
"The whole world knows that holy Jerusalem was occupied in 1967 and we will not accept a Palestinian state without having Jerusalem as the capital of a Palestinian state," he added.
IN HIS OWN WORDS
To read Obama's speech in its entirety, please click HERE.
What a difference a day makes.
On Thursday, when queried by CNN, Obama said he was misunderstood.
"Well," Obama explained, "obviously, it's going to be up to the parties to negotiate a range of these issues. And Jerusalem will be part of those negotiations."
Despite telling the AIPCAC conference what it wanted to hear and believe, an undivided Jerusalem was, in fact, never his campaign's position.
Obama's adviser for the Middle East, former Ambassador to Israel Daniel Kurtzer, in May told the Israeli mass circulation daily, Haaretz, that his campaign considers it "impossible to make progress on serious peace talks without putting the future of Jerusalem on the table."
In the Democratic primaries, 53 percent of Jewish voters chose Hillary Clinton compared to 45% who chose Obama.
(Washington, D.C., June 6, 2008) -- Using some of his most apocalyptic rhetoric yet, Iranian leader Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is vowing that the United States and Israel will soon be "annihilated," even as he refuses to abandon Iran's nuclear program. Marking the 19th anniversary of the death of Ayatollah Khomeini, Ahmadinejad said: "Today, the time for the fall of the satanic power of the United States has come and the countdown to the annihilation of the emperor of power and wealth has started." He also insisted that "I must announce that the Zionist regime (Israel), with a 60-year record of genocide, plunder, invasion and betrayal is about to die and will soon be erased from the geographical scene." Are Israeli leaders thus planning to launch a massive air attack on Iran before the end of the year, or even before new national elections in Israel which may take place as early as November? Or are they trying to persuade the U.S. to do it before President Bush leaves office? Perhaps both. Which underscores the point I've been making for some time -- while we intensify our efforts to pray for peace in the epicenter, we also need to be intensifying our efforts to prepare for war. "An Israeli attack on Iranian nuclear sites looks 'unavoidable' given the apparent failure of Western sanctions to deny Tehran technology with bomb-making potential," Deputy Prime Minister Shaul Mofaz said Friday, according to Reuters report. "If Iran continues with its program for developing nuclear weapons, we will attack it. The sanctions are ineffective," said Mofaz. "It was the most explicit threat yet against Iran from a member of Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's government, which, like the Bush administration, has preferred to hint at force as a last resort should United Nations Security Council sanctions fail to achieve the desired abandonment of nuclear development by Tehran. Iran, which denies seeking nuclear weapons, has defied Western pressure to abandon its uranium enrichment projects. The leadership in Tehran has also threatened to retaliate against Israel -- believed to have the Middle East's only atomic arsenal -- and U.S. targets in the Gulf for any attack on Iranian turf. Mofaz also said in the interview that Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who has called for Israel to be wiped off the map, 'would disappear before Israel does.'" "[T]he White House sidestepped questions about the Israeli threat to attack Iranian nuclear sites, saying it would not respond to hypothetical question," reported Ynet News in Israel. "'The world community, I believe, is united in the desire to make sure that Iran doesn't develop a nuclear weapon and have a severe threat that we don't want to see come to fruition,' White House spokesman Scott Stanzel told reporters. But asked specifically whether the United States would support an Israeli strike on Iran, he said, 'I'm not going to talk about hypotheticals. I think we've been pretty clear in recent weeks and months about our approach on Iran.'"...Meanwhile, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is warning that Israel may soon be forced to launch a major military operation in Gaza to stop thousands of rockets, mortars and missiles which continue raining down on the southern cities and towns of the Jewish State....Reports the Jerusalem Post: "Prime Minister Ehud Olmert returned to Israel from the US on Friday morning and, echoing the previous day's remarks by Defense Minister Ehud Barak, hinted that Gaza's day of reckoning was fast approaching. 'We are constantly evaluating between the possibility [of a deal] to reach complete quiet and the lack of a possibility of reaching such an agreement,' he said. 'The absence of the latter option will draw us closer to an operation that will be much harsher and tougher against the [terror] groups. "According to the information we have now, the pendulum is closer to a decision to embark on a harsh operation in the Gaza Strip than it is to an agreement with the terror organizations,' continued Olmert. Olmert's comments came a day after Amnon Rozenberg, 51, a father of three, was killed by a Gaza shell that hit the Nirlat paint factory at Kibbutz Nir Oz. The Security Cabinet is set to convene on Tuesday to discuss a response to the incessant attacks from Gaza. Olmert told an Israel Radio reporter that Israel was exploring all the options available in order to achieve complete quiet for southerners without the need to enter into a violent and severe confrontation with terror groups in the Strip, adding, however, that there was a distinct possibility Israel would need to embark on an offensive and extensive operation against Palestinian terror groups." Weighing heavily on Olmert as he makes decisions about Iran and Gaza is his own precarious political position, and the fact that both he and President Bush will be out of office soon. Olmert was in Washington earlier this week, meeting with President Bush and other senior administration officials, as well as addressing the annual conference of AIPAC, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee. But Olmert's trip may be his last to D.C. as premier. The buzz out of Israel is that early elections are increasingly expected, perhaps this November or December. While this is not yet official -- and Israeli politics are notoriously turbulent and unpredictable -- leaders and field workers of the major parties are working under the assumption that the Olmert government, tainted by the failed Second Lebanon War and new allegations of corruption, is on its last legs and that they need to be ready for snap elections in the fall. For now, all eyes are focused on June 18th, the dates the Knesset could vote to dissolve itself, automatically triggering new elections. New polling indicates the Likud Party, led by former Prime Minister Benjamin "Bibi" Netanyahu is not only far ahead but surging. Were elections held this month, Likud would be expected to pick up as many as 35 parliament seats, up from an estimated 30 seats last November. The Labour Party, by contrast -- led by current Defense Minister Ehud Barak -- has lost significant ground since last November, garnering support for only 19 seats currently, down from 23. Olmert's Kadima Party, meanwhile, continues to slide. Current polls show Kadima -- likely to be led by current Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni after Olmert's departure -- would receive only 11 Knesset seats, rather than 15. Polling Data: Prospective results of a Knesset election (Results presented in seats) Likud -- 35 seats (up from 30 in Nov) Labour -- 19 seats (down from 23 in Nov) Kadima -- 13 seats (down from 15 in Nov) Israel Our Home -- 11 seats (same as Nov) Shas -- 11 seats (up from 9 in Nov) United Torah Judaism -- 6 seats (same as Nov) National Religious Party -- 5 seats (down from 6 in Nov) Yachad -- 5 seats (up from 4 in Nov) Social Justice -- 2 seats (down from 4 in Nov) Green Party -- 2 seats (up from 0 in Nov) Arab parties -- 11 seats (down from 10 in Nov) Retired People's Party -- 0 seats (down from 2 in Nov) Source: Dialog / Haaretz Methodology: Interviews with 467 Israeli adults, conducted on May 27 and May 28, 2008. Margin of error is 5 per cent.
To read the latest news from the Middle East and Russia, please go to Joel's WEBLOG.
To join 54,000 other >> FLASH TRAFFIC <<>
To read the first chapter of DEAD HEAT for free, or purchase a copy from Amazon.com, please click here
Would you consider making a $25, $40 or $60 monthly donation to The Joshua Fund? To learn how, and/or make a secure, tax-deductible financial contribution -- by mail or on-line -- please click here.
To watch the Epicenter Conference speeches on-line, and learn more about the conference's purpose, please click here
PRAY FOR PEACE, PREPARE FOR WAR
Looking for more ways to bless Israel? Here are three specific options that are particularly appropos given recent developments. Each are taken from our list of "60 Ways To Bless Israel At 60." The full list is available on our weblog at www.joshuafund.net. 2.) Stock one bomb shelter in northern Israel with food, water, a first aid kit, other emergency supplies and a secure storage locker. There are currently some 5,500 bomb shelters that need to be urgently stocked with supplies before the next war. The Joshua Fund is currently raising funds to stock 100 as soon as possible. Cost per bomb shelter: $5,500. 3.) Provide one ton of food to care for needy families in northern Israel who were hit by 4,000 rockets and missiles during the 2006 war with Hezbollah. These families are still recovering from that war. Many live on less than $500 a month. And food prices are rising in Israel, as they are around the globe. Every month, therefore, The Joshua Fund pays for about 10 tons of food to be purchased by one of our allies in Israel, distributed to the needy in the north, as well as stockpiled for the next war. Cost: $2,500 per ton. 4.) Help purchase desperately needed medical equipment such as respirators, ventilators, operating room lamps, mobile x-ray machines and the like for under-funded regional hospitals in Israel. At the request of hospital administrators, The Joshua Fund has adopted the Barzilai Medical Center in the southern Israeli city of Ashkelon to help them raise funds for such equipment. Barzilai is the only hospital and trauma center serving the 500,000 Israelis living near the Gaza border and facing a nearly constant barrage of rockets, missiles and mortars. They are doing heroic work, but they do need our help. Cost: Some of this equipment is very costly, averaging between $20,000 to $80,000 each. A donation of $5,000 would help significantly towards meeting these vital needs. The Joshua Fund will continue to do our best to keep you up-to-date on the kinds of projects we are doing, brief you on how those projects are proceeding, and let you know about the kinds of projects we are developing for the future. In no way do we want to pressure anyone to give financially. We fully believe the Lord will provide for the needs of the people we seek to serve. But if you or others wish to help, we welcome your support, and all financial gifts are tax-deductible. To contribute to the on-going work of The Joshua Fund please make your check payable to "The Joshua Fund" and send to: The Joshua Fund 18950 Base Camp Road Monument, Colorado 80132-8009 Thanks so much and may the Lord richly bless you and your family as you bless Israel and her neighbors in the name of Jesus -- especially at this moment of Israel' 60th anniversary.
Would you consider making a donation of $25, $40 or $60 a month to The Joshua Fund? Please click here to find out more, and/or to make a secure donation on-line.
ALL OF THESE THINGS ARE DEPENDANT UPON GOD’S WORD
WE EACH HAVE AN OBLIGATION TO PRAY & FAST ACCORDING TO HIS WORD.
1. The first encouragement is continue in your faith with Jesus Christ and, above all else, work hard to stay close to him in your hearts. Everything that matters, namely our souls and salvation depend upon Jesus alone and He will provide and protect you in changing times. In Jesus we have peace in all circumstances and we do not fear. The immoral climate of our country, the worldly ideas that constantly barrage through the airwaves, the tolerance of sin, the intolerance of biblical truth, and so much more all contribute in making our hearts and minds susceptible to a weakening of our faith in Jesus Christ IF we do not remain in the WORD of GOD. So stay close to Jesus by staying in the Word of God and begin practicing your prayer life. Talk to the Lord again and repent of your sin and humble yourself before Him. This will be a sure recipe for getting healthy again.
2. The second encouragement is to stand strong with Israel in faith according to scripture no matter the pressures or persecutions that will come along with that. For the Christian standing with Israel is like standing for your brother and not only that there is a blessing for those who will support and love the Jewish people.
3. The third encouragement is to continue or to begin praying with fasting for America in earnestness. This is the one thing we must do in order to make a real and lasting change for this country. Our commitment to prayer to God will eventually change us and this country will change when we change.
REGARDING AMERICA
HOW TO PRAY FOR OUR COUNTRY AMERICA? By Adrian Rogers
Please take the time to listen to this message. I pray you will not pass this by. It is very important.
http://www.oneplace.com/common/player/oneplace/CustomPlayer.asp?bcd=6/6/2008&url=http://swn.edgeboss.net/wmedia/swn/oneplace/wm/lwf/lwf20080605.wax&MinTitle=Love+Worth+Finding&MinURL=http://www.oneplace.comhttp://www.oneplace.com/ministries/love_worth_finding/&MinArchives=http://www.oneplace.comhttp://www.oneplace.com/ministries/love_worth_finding/archives.asp&Refresh=&AdsCategory=MINISTRY.LWF&Show_ID=119
REGARDING ISRAEL
In these last days the actions that will PROVE AND DISTINGUISH true Christianity from false Christianity will be those actions that produce an UNDYING & UNDIVIDED support of Israel and the Jewish people.
Psalm 122
A song of ascents. Of David.
1 I rejoiced with those who said to me,
"Let us go to the house of the LORD."
2 Our feet are standing in your gates,
O Jerusalem.
3 Jerusalem is built like a city
that is closely compacted together.
REGARDING ISRAEL
In these last days the actions that will PROVE AND DISTINGUISH true Christianity from false Christianity will be those actions that produce an UNDYING & UNDIVIDED support of Israel and the Jewish people.
Psalm 122
A song of ascents. Of David.
1 I rejoiced with those who said to me,
"Let us go to the house of the LORD."
2 Our feet are standing in your gates,
O Jerusalem.
3 Jerusalem is built like a city
that is closely compacted together.
4 That is where the tribes go up,
the tribes of the LORD,
to praise the name of the LORD
according to the statute given to Israel.
5 There the thrones for judgment stand,
the thrones of the house of David.
6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:
"May those who love you be secure.
7 May there be peace within your walls
and security within your citadels."
8 For the sake of my brothers and friends,
I will say, "Peace be within you."
9 For the sake of the house of the LORD our God,
I will seek your prosperity.
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This link contains a very good article that will shed a lot of light as to WHY? Israel is such a big deal in today's world, and what the true Christian's stance toward Israel should be.
"This article assumes the reader has some familiarity with Romans 9-11, the most concise teaching on Israel's relationship to the Church. Among other pivotal truths, Romans 9-11 clarifies that God's Covenant calling on Israel is irrevocable; the Church has not replaced the Jewish Nation in His heart or prophetic plans."
WHY STAND WITH ISRAEL: http://www.jewishvoice.org/site/DocServer/Why_Stand_With_Israel_S.pdf?docID=1227
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HERE ARE SOME ADDITIONAL & EXCELLENT ARTICLES THAT WILL NOT BE A WASTE OF YOUR TIME!!!!!!!
TO WHOM WAS ISRAEL PROMISED: http://www.jewishvoice.org/site/DocServer/To_Whom_Was_Israel_Promised.pdf?docID=1225
HOW TO PRAY FOR ISRAEL: http://www.jewishvoice.org/site/DocServer/How_to_Pray_for_Israel.pdf?docID=1223
WHY NOT DIVIDE ISRAEL: http://www.jewishvoice.org/site/DocServer/Why_Not_Divide_Israel.pdf?docID=1226
JERUSALEM IN PROPHECY: http://www.jewishvoice.org/site/DocServer/Jerusalem_in_Prophecy.pdf?docID=1224
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As mentioned, in these last days the actions that will PROVE AND DISTINGUISH true Christianity from false Christianity will be those actions that produce an UNDYING & UNDIVIDED support of Israel and the Jewish people.
Jewish World Review June 6, 2008 / 3 Sivan, 5768
Mere hours after becoming Israel's new ‘best friend’ Obama backtracks on status of Jerusalem
By Binyamin L. Jolkovsky
Original 'misunderstood' statements contradicted campaign policy
www.JewishWorldReview.com
Mere hours after becoming Israel's new ‘best friend’ Obama backtracks on status of Jerusalem
By Binyamin L. Jolkovsky
Original 'misunderstood' statements contradicted campaign policy
www.JewishWorldReview.com
Democratic presumptive presidential nominee Barak Obama stood before the American Israel Public Affairs Committee parley Wednesday morning and declared his complete, unqualified support for a Jewish Jerusalem. The Holy City, he said, "will remain the capital of Israel, and it must remain undivided."
The rousing applause from the audience, including some of the most powerful politicians in America, was immediate.
Almost as immediate, though, was Hamas' condemnation. Leaders of the terrorist group had previously endorsed Obama as their choice for America's Commander in Chief.
Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas said he "totally rejected" Obama's Jerusalem pronouncement.
"The whole world knows that holy Jerusalem was occupied in 1967 and we will not accept a Palestinian state without having Jerusalem as the capital of a Palestinian state," he added.
IN HIS OWN WORDS
To read Obama's speech in its entirety, please click HERE.
What a difference a day makes.
On Thursday, when queried by CNN, Obama said he was misunderstood.
"Well," Obama explained, "obviously, it's going to be up to the parties to negotiate a range of these issues. And Jerusalem will be part of those negotiations."
Despite telling the AIPCAC conference what it wanted to hear and believe, an undivided Jerusalem was, in fact, never his campaign's position.
Obama's adviser for the Middle East, former Ambassador to Israel Daniel Kurtzer, in May told the Israeli mass circulation daily, Haaretz, that his campaign considers it "impossible to make progress on serious peace talks without putting the future of Jerusalem on the table."
In the Democratic primaries, 53 percent of Jewish voters chose Hillary Clinton compared to 45% who chose Obama.
Other sources: http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1212659672984&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
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* * * * FLASH TRAFFIC: WASHINGTON UPDATE * * * *
AHMADINEJAD VOWS U.S., ISRAEL WILL BE "ANNIHILATED" SOON Senior Israeli official says war with Iran may be "unvoidable." Meanwhile, Olmert's government on verge of collapse.
By Joel C. Rosenberg
AHMADINEJAD VOWS U.S., ISRAEL WILL BE "ANNIHILATED" SOON Senior Israeli official says war with Iran may be "unvoidable." Meanwhile, Olmert's government on verge of collapse.
By Joel C. Rosenberg
(Washington, D.C., June 6, 2008) -- Using some of his most apocalyptic rhetoric yet, Iranian leader Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is vowing that the United States and Israel will soon be "annihilated," even as he refuses to abandon Iran's nuclear program. Marking the 19th anniversary of the death of Ayatollah Khomeini, Ahmadinejad said: "Today, the time for the fall of the satanic power of the United States has come and the countdown to the annihilation of the emperor of power and wealth has started." He also insisted that "I must announce that the Zionist regime (Israel), with a 60-year record of genocide, plunder, invasion and betrayal is about to die and will soon be erased from the geographical scene." Are Israeli leaders thus planning to launch a massive air attack on Iran before the end of the year, or even before new national elections in Israel which may take place as early as November? Or are they trying to persuade the U.S. to do it before President Bush leaves office? Perhaps both. Which underscores the point I've been making for some time -- while we intensify our efforts to pray for peace in the epicenter, we also need to be intensifying our efforts to prepare for war. "An Israeli attack on Iranian nuclear sites looks 'unavoidable' given the apparent failure of Western sanctions to deny Tehran technology with bomb-making potential," Deputy Prime Minister Shaul Mofaz said Friday, according to Reuters report. "If Iran continues with its program for developing nuclear weapons, we will attack it. The sanctions are ineffective," said Mofaz. "It was the most explicit threat yet against Iran from a member of Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's government, which, like the Bush administration, has preferred to hint at force as a last resort should United Nations Security Council sanctions fail to achieve the desired abandonment of nuclear development by Tehran. Iran, which denies seeking nuclear weapons, has defied Western pressure to abandon its uranium enrichment projects. The leadership in Tehran has also threatened to retaliate against Israel -- believed to have the Middle East's only atomic arsenal -- and U.S. targets in the Gulf for any attack on Iranian turf. Mofaz also said in the interview that Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who has called for Israel to be wiped off the map, 'would disappear before Israel does.'" "[T]he White House sidestepped questions about the Israeli threat to attack Iranian nuclear sites, saying it would not respond to hypothetical question," reported Ynet News in Israel. "'The world community, I believe, is united in the desire to make sure that Iran doesn't develop a nuclear weapon and have a severe threat that we don't want to see come to fruition,' White House spokesman Scott Stanzel told reporters. But asked specifically whether the United States would support an Israeli strike on Iran, he said, 'I'm not going to talk about hypotheticals. I think we've been pretty clear in recent weeks and months about our approach on Iran.'"...Meanwhile, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is warning that Israel may soon be forced to launch a major military operation in Gaza to stop thousands of rockets, mortars and missiles which continue raining down on the southern cities and towns of the Jewish State....Reports the Jerusalem Post: "Prime Minister Ehud Olmert returned to Israel from the US on Friday morning and, echoing the previous day's remarks by Defense Minister Ehud Barak, hinted that Gaza's day of reckoning was fast approaching. 'We are constantly evaluating between the possibility [of a deal] to reach complete quiet and the lack of a possibility of reaching such an agreement,' he said. 'The absence of the latter option will draw us closer to an operation that will be much harsher and tougher against the [terror] groups. "According to the information we have now, the pendulum is closer to a decision to embark on a harsh operation in the Gaza Strip than it is to an agreement with the terror organizations,' continued Olmert. Olmert's comments came a day after Amnon Rozenberg, 51, a father of three, was killed by a Gaza shell that hit the Nirlat paint factory at Kibbutz Nir Oz. The Security Cabinet is set to convene on Tuesday to discuss a response to the incessant attacks from Gaza. Olmert told an Israel Radio reporter that Israel was exploring all the options available in order to achieve complete quiet for southerners without the need to enter into a violent and severe confrontation with terror groups in the Strip, adding, however, that there was a distinct possibility Israel would need to embark on an offensive and extensive operation against Palestinian terror groups." Weighing heavily on Olmert as he makes decisions about Iran and Gaza is his own precarious political position, and the fact that both he and President Bush will be out of office soon. Olmert was in Washington earlier this week, meeting with President Bush and other senior administration officials, as well as addressing the annual conference of AIPAC, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee. But Olmert's trip may be his last to D.C. as premier. The buzz out of Israel is that early elections are increasingly expected, perhaps this November or December. While this is not yet official -- and Israeli politics are notoriously turbulent and unpredictable -- leaders and field workers of the major parties are working under the assumption that the Olmert government, tainted by the failed Second Lebanon War and new allegations of corruption, is on its last legs and that they need to be ready for snap elections in the fall. For now, all eyes are focused on June 18th, the dates the Knesset could vote to dissolve itself, automatically triggering new elections. New polling indicates the Likud Party, led by former Prime Minister Benjamin "Bibi" Netanyahu is not only far ahead but surging. Were elections held this month, Likud would be expected to pick up as many as 35 parliament seats, up from an estimated 30 seats last November. The Labour Party, by contrast -- led by current Defense Minister Ehud Barak -- has lost significant ground since last November, garnering support for only 19 seats currently, down from 23. Olmert's Kadima Party, meanwhile, continues to slide. Current polls show Kadima -- likely to be led by current Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni after Olmert's departure -- would receive only 11 Knesset seats, rather than 15. Polling Data: Prospective results of a Knesset election (Results presented in seats) Likud -- 35 seats (up from 30 in Nov) Labour -- 19 seats (down from 23 in Nov) Kadima -- 13 seats (down from 15 in Nov) Israel Our Home -- 11 seats (same as Nov) Shas -- 11 seats (up from 9 in Nov) United Torah Judaism -- 6 seats (same as Nov) National Religious Party -- 5 seats (down from 6 in Nov) Yachad -- 5 seats (up from 4 in Nov) Social Justice -- 2 seats (down from 4 in Nov) Green Party -- 2 seats (up from 0 in Nov) Arab parties -- 11 seats (down from 10 in Nov) Retired People's Party -- 0 seats (down from 2 in Nov) Source: Dialog / Haaretz Methodology: Interviews with 467 Israeli adults, conducted on May 27 and May 28, 2008. Margin of error is 5 per cent.
To read the latest news from the Middle East and Russia, please go to Joel's WEBLOG.
To join 54,000 other >> FLASH TRAFFIC <<>
To read the first chapter of DEAD HEAT for free, or purchase a copy from Amazon.com, please click here
Would you consider making a $25, $40 or $60 monthly donation to The Joshua Fund? To learn how, and/or make a secure, tax-deductible financial contribution -- by mail or on-line -- please click here.
To watch the Epicenter Conference speeches on-line, and learn more about the conference's purpose, please click here
PRAY FOR PEACE, PREPARE FOR WAR
Looking for more ways to bless Israel? Here are three specific options that are particularly appropos given recent developments. Each are taken from our list of "60 Ways To Bless Israel At 60." The full list is available on our weblog at www.joshuafund.net. 2.) Stock one bomb shelter in northern Israel with food, water, a first aid kit, other emergency supplies and a secure storage locker. There are currently some 5,500 bomb shelters that need to be urgently stocked with supplies before the next war. The Joshua Fund is currently raising funds to stock 100 as soon as possible. Cost per bomb shelter: $5,500. 3.) Provide one ton of food to care for needy families in northern Israel who were hit by 4,000 rockets and missiles during the 2006 war with Hezbollah. These families are still recovering from that war. Many live on less than $500 a month. And food prices are rising in Israel, as they are around the globe. Every month, therefore, The Joshua Fund pays for about 10 tons of food to be purchased by one of our allies in Israel, distributed to the needy in the north, as well as stockpiled for the next war. Cost: $2,500 per ton. 4.) Help purchase desperately needed medical equipment such as respirators, ventilators, operating room lamps, mobile x-ray machines and the like for under-funded regional hospitals in Israel. At the request of hospital administrators, The Joshua Fund has adopted the Barzilai Medical Center in the southern Israeli city of Ashkelon to help them raise funds for such equipment. Barzilai is the only hospital and trauma center serving the 500,000 Israelis living near the Gaza border and facing a nearly constant barrage of rockets, missiles and mortars. They are doing heroic work, but they do need our help. Cost: Some of this equipment is very costly, averaging between $20,000 to $80,000 each. A donation of $5,000 would help significantly towards meeting these vital needs. The Joshua Fund will continue to do our best to keep you up-to-date on the kinds of projects we are doing, brief you on how those projects are proceeding, and let you know about the kinds of projects we are developing for the future. In no way do we want to pressure anyone to give financially. We fully believe the Lord will provide for the needs of the people we seek to serve. But if you or others wish to help, we welcome your support, and all financial gifts are tax-deductible. To contribute to the on-going work of The Joshua Fund please make your check payable to "The Joshua Fund" and send to: The Joshua Fund 18950 Base Camp Road Monument, Colorado 80132-8009 Thanks so much and may the Lord richly bless you and your family as you bless Israel and her neighbors in the name of Jesus -- especially at this moment of Israel' 60th anniversary.
Would you consider making a donation of $25, $40 or $60 a month to The Joshua Fund? Please click here to find out more, and/or to make a secure donation on-line.
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